My Saving Grace

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comment guys

CHAPTER FORTY

Charlie stood before the mirror as she observed herself for what felt like the hundredth time that morning. Bringing her hand to her face she brushed a strand hair behind her ear as slid her hand against her skirt in nervousness. The day had come to fast but yet felt like it had taken forever to come around. She had spent so much time trying to prepare herself for what could happen, how the day could turn out. She had played out the worse and best scenarios in her head a thousand times all in an attempt to prepare her for what was to come. She registered the gentle knock on her room door

"Come in" her gaze never leaving the mirror before her

She smiled lightly through her mirror as Brax's head poked through the door before his body followed

"Rubes let us in" Charlie nodded in acknowledgement as he walked up behind her placing his hands on her shoulders

"You ok?" asked Brax as he looked down at the unreadable expression on her face

Choosing to be honest Charlie opened her lips "I don't know" she glanced up at him through the mirror before refocusing her attention back on herself "What if I can't do this?" whispered Charlie as the thought of seeing him again began to overwhelm her "What if I get on the stand and I just break" she stopped as her breath caught in her throat.

Placing a firm hand on the small of her back Brax slowly turned her around to face him. Her gaze avoided his but he placed his hand gently under her chin bringing her eye level up to his

"Remember the time at the beach when I tried to teach you to surf but you kept falling off the board?"

Charlie's lips curled up for a brief moment as she thought back to that day, she nodded letting him know she remembered

"What did you do when I laughed?" asked Brax

Charlie gave another brief smile as she remembered her determination to prove to him she could do it

"I went back and tried again till I managed to stay on the board" Brax nodded as she spoke

"You tried again" spoke Brax "regardless of the amount of times you had fallen you went back and you tried again. So how can you stand here and doubt your own strength" Brax gave her a small smile before he continued

"You have by far got to be the most strong willed person I have ever met. You have faced him head on once before and you know as well as I do that you have more than enough strength to do it again"

Charlie looked up at Brax in awe as he spoke; his mere words brought her more comfort than she ever thought possible. She smiled lightly as he spoke again

"And I'm right here, I'll be right there. If you feel weak or it gets too much for you just look for me"

"Thank you" said Charlie as she leaned into him wrapped her arms around his waist as he stroked his hand through her hair

Swinging the door open Ruby stopped in her tracks as she smiled over at her mother in Brax's embrace

"Guys we're ready when you are" Ruby smiled over at the both of them as they turned to look at her before she left the room

Brax clung onto Charlie's hand "Ready?"

Charlie nodded as she made her way towards the door her hand still firmly placed in Brax's

...

Charlie had opted to drive down to the court in her own car as Brax and Casey followed behind with Heath who had insisted on being there.

Brax found his palms sweating as he held the steering wheel. It wasn't something he was going to admit but the worry of what the verdict could be was also troubling him. But he needed to be strong for Charlie, voicing his worries would only make her panic more than she clearly was doing.

Heath glanced at his brother from the passenger seat, apart from asking Casey how he was feeling and cheeking that he was up for the task of testifying against Grant, Brax had spoke no other words. Neither Heath nor Casey needed to ask what the cause of Brax's silence was; they knew their brother well and knew that although he would never say it out loud, he too was just as anxious as the rest of them

"He'll get what he deserves" spoke Heath in hopes of easing his brother's mind

"I hope so" Brax kept his gaze on the round as he stayed close behind Charlie's car

...

Charlie glanced at Ruby who sat besides her staring out the window she had asked her more times than countable in the last few days if she still wanted to testify and each time Ruby had been adamant that there was nothing that could keep her way. But looking at her Charlie couldn't help but worry

"Rubes" called Charlie

"Yep" Ruby removed her gaze from the road and onto Charlie

"Are you sure you want t..." before Charlie could reach the end of her sentence Ruby intervened knowing what she was about to ask

"I want to do this" answered Ruby

"You know you can back out if you want" Ruby nodded at her mother's words

"I know but I don't want to and I'm not going to. Remember the promise we made to dad" spoke Ruby earning herself another quick glance from Charlie

"We promised we would always take care of each other" Ruby smiled into her words

Charlie smiled lightly at the thought of her parents, she felt her eyes well up thinking about how much she would give to have the both of them with her in that moment

"I'm not going to break that promise... not ever" Ruby's words made it impossible for Charlie to hold onto her tears. Removing her left hand from the steering wheel Charlie placed her hand in Ruby's giving it a squeeze; and was truly thankful to have her by her side

...

Now sitting outside the court room Charlie sat in between Heath and Brax and Ruby on the other side of Brax with Casey next to her. All five sat staring at the door that lead into the court room, the place that in a few hours was to decide the faith of Grant. Charlie gripped onto Brax's hand fiercely using it to comfort herself

Casey glanced over at Ruby as she stared aimlessly at the entrance of the court room. He remembered the conversation they had the night before

*Flashback*

"I'm so scared" Casey looked up from the TV screen unsure of what Ruby was talking about

"If things don't go the way we want it to tomorrow I'm scared for Charlie" she stared dead at him, her eyes glazed over

Casey shifted so he was facing her

"I've seen a lot in both you and Charlie and trust me I know that whatever happens tomorrow you will get through it"

"What if he wins his plea...? I'm not sure how Charlie will cope"

"Then we deal with it... all of us together. And even then he will still do jail time" Casey tried to reassure her with his words

"I still find it hard to think that he... that he's a part of me, that he's my..." Casey stopped her before she spoke any more words. He shook his head lightly

"He isn't a part of you, you are strong, honest and everything about you is beautiful. Ross, Elise and Charlie they are what make up the person you are... not him"

"I just want to forget he exists" a tear fell from Ruby's eyes

Casey moved further along the couch puling her into a hug

*End of Flashback*

Casey was pulled out of his thought at the sound of Jack's voice as he now stood before them with Watson and Constable Joyce

"You ready?" Jack peered down at Charlie. She gave him a weak smile before her head along with everyone else's jolted up as the door before them opened up

"Miss Charlie Buckton" Charlie instantly rose to her feet closely followed by the others

The woman passed them a light smile before once again spoke "We're ready"

Not thinking it was possible Charlie felt her grip on Brax's hand tighten, she felt him brush him thumb lightly against the back of her hand

Taking quick glancing at each other the eight of them made their way into the court room ready to face the inevitable

...

Her eyes regretfully locked against his as she entered the room. She watched him waiting for that sickly grin to appear on his face but received nothing. Instead he glared at her with an unnoticeable look in his face that she had no recognition of.

He had turned his head and watched as they all entered the room but paid significant attention to Charlie. He glared at her wanting nothing more than to flash her that grin that he knew was sure to send a cold fearful shiver down her spin. But knowing any suspicious actions or movements would bring his case crumbling he held back the urge instead staring at her blankly with a conscious hint of regret in his eyes.

Finally removing his gaze from her he caught Brax's eyes as he glared at him in fury and pure venom in his eye. Lastly his eyes lay on the person he knew as his daughter but felt nothing for. He watched Ruby as she clung onto Casey's hand. Unlike Charlie and Brax she refused to give him the pleasure of looking him dead on, instead she focused on the wall before her refusing to let him affect her.

Brax, Heath, Casey and Jack gazed over at Ella, who was evidently trying her best to avoid their peering eyes. She knew how they felt but it was something she needed to do. She looked over at Grant; surely she was doing the right thing. He needed help and she refused to turn her back again, she had to make things right and this was her chance

...

Charlie sat listening as each of them took to the stand one by one, giving account of what had happened the day Grant had held Ruby and Casey hostage. She watched as Ruby took to the stand, her eyes filled with tears as her daughter recalled the fear she had felt and the brutal manner in which Grant had treated her and Casey.

Ruby took to the stand refusing to break, she kept her gaze moving in between Charlie and Casey refusing to look at Grant. She felt her eyes shut as she recalled the feeling of the cold steel gun against her temple and her pleases as Casey had to drag her out the house leaving her mother behind. It wasn't till then that she opened her eyes and looked directly into his. And suddenly Casey's words made sense

"He isn't a part of you, you are strong, honest and everything about you is beautiful. Ross, Elise and Charlie they are what make up the person you are... not him"

He was right, the man that sat emotionless before her bared no part of her nor did she bare any part of him. She kept her gaze viciously pressed against his as she gave the rest of her testimony.

Casey felt a small smile play on his lips a she watched Ruby finally gaze in Grants direction. She had final realised what everyone else already knew. Regardless of blood she wasn't his daughter, she never had been

Everyone had been on stand and given the judge their testimonies, it now came to Charlie

"We call Miss Charlotte Buckton to the stand" Charlie felt her heart pound rapidly against her chest almost in an attempt to flee from the court room. She felt all eyes fall on her but yet her legs refused to react to the calling of her name

"You're stronger than him" she felt Brax breath against her neck as he whispered into her ears. He gave her hand an encouraging squeeze "I'm right here... we're all here" he spoke once more

She turned to him giving him a light smile as she finally stood to her feet. Avoiding Grant's gaze she made her way to the stand. She shut her eyes as she was asked to recall the event of what had happened almost sixteen years ago. She willed back her tears as she recalled her own cries and pleas. She had gone to that party her life like every other kids but left lost and broken. Every time she felt that familiar knot in her throat return she gazed up at Brax focusing solely on him. She sighed a breath of relief as it came to an end only to have them ask her to give account of the events of the day that Grant had broken into her house. She thought about Ruby and Casey and the fear that was clearly evident on their faces, she cringed as she recalled him sliding the steel gun along Ruby's temple. She recalled how he towered over her as she tried to escape him; she shuddered as she watched him hold the gun in Brax's direction.

In that moment something in Charlie changed. Suddenly her fear once again disappeared leaving only anger, venom and hatred. All these emotions built up fast within her as she thought about everything he had not only put her through but the pain he had caused her family and friends. She felt her eyes water in pain as she remembered the pained and helpless look on her parents face when they found out what he had done to her. Peering a little longer at Brax she slowly moved her gaze towards Grant. She studied him with a destructive glare, as he sat peering at her blankly. Standing to leave the stand she stopped ahead of him, her glare still placed firmly on his

"There's nothing you can do to me that you haven't already done, you lost. You tried your best to break me but you lost. I pray to God that you rot in jail" Before the judge or Ella could intervene she quickly made her way back to the smiling faces of her family. Sitting down Ruby stretched her hand across Brax and Charlie took a firm hold on it as she gave Ruby a light smile.

There was only one person left to take to the stand. Everyone found themselves sitting up attentively as his name was called

"I call the accused Grant Bledcoe to the stand" Charlie, Brax, Ruby, Heath, Casey and Jack watched with immense intensity as Grant made his way towards the stand.

There had been a vague look plastered on his face that neither of the six could depict since the case started. But as he now stood on the stand it became clear to them, it was an attempt at a remorseful look. Charlie felt her stomach turn as he tried to defend himself, she watched as he carefully choose his actions and body language in an attempt to deceive the judge. She listened as he tactfully admitted defeat and confessed to his own crime, but she knew his agenda, she knew the true face behind the one he displayed in that moment. She couldn't blame Ella for falling for his game, she couldn't deny how convincing he was, he played the part with such grace it disgusted her. Watching as he stepped out of the stand neither of the six could deny that he had played his part beyond what they had thought possible.

Ella stood to her feet, she couldn't deny that after hearing Charlie's testimony and the others she felt a pang of guilt wash over her. 'They must hate her for wanting to help such a person' she thought to herself but as Grant took to the stand her doubts about helping him were put to ease. She stood as she gave her reasons as to why the judge should accept his plea on the basis of mental breakdown for his actions when he had held Ruby, Casey and Charlie hostage. She tried her best to convince the judge that yes although he had to pay for that he did, he needed to get help not just for the safety of himself but for that of those around him

Charlie tried to block out Ella's words as she used the words they had used during their testimonies to justify how he indeed had been suffering a mental breakdown during the time of the latter incident. Charlie shook her head lightly as Ella turned their words on them using it in Grants defence. Charlie along with the others were grateful when her words came to an end. She couldn't phantom any reason worthy enough to justify what Grant had done. She gratefully stood to her feet with Brax's hand now safely placed in hers as the judge left the court room to go and decide Grants fate

...

Charlie, Brax, Ruby, Casey, Heath and Jack sat outside the court room all hoping and praying for the same thing.

Brax looked from Charlie who sat on his right hand side to Ruby who sat on his left; he gazed down at their hands as they fidgeted in the same manner. Reaching both hands out he took hold of their hands lacing his hand through them. They both glared up at him thankfully both of them lightly squeezing their fingers around his.

Time seemed to slow to an unbearable speed as they all sat glaring at the door waiting for any sort of movement. Martha, Bianca and Leah had called more than once, it seemed they were getting just as impatient as the six of them. Their heads jolted up as finally the door swung open and the same woman from earlier walked out

"We're ready" she stood aside waiting for them to enter the court room. Brax stood to his feet along with the rest, his hand still laced into both Ruby and Charlie's. Each taking a deep breath they walked into the court room reclaiming their previous seats.

Charlie felt her heart beat ringing loudly as it pounced aggressively against her chest as Grant was escorted back into the room. She noticed he had yet to discard of his deceiving poker face. At the sound of the judge's voice she turned her attention towards the jury waiting in anticipation for what they had decided. She felt Brax squeeze her hand, taking a glance up at him she noticed him glaring attentively at the judge; his eyes displayed just how anxious he was. As she heard a voice she turned back to the male judge as he gave his verdict. Charlie shut her eyes as the judge began giving his verdict

"I have heard the testimonies given in account of Mr Bledcoe's actions. I feel there is no excuse that can be given for his actions towards Miss Charlie Buckton on the 12th of October 1996. You knowing forced yourself upon a young girl and have clearly caused her more pain than many should ever face. On the charges of rape I find the accused guilty and sentence him to Eight years. I also find the accused guilty of possession of a fire arm with intent to hurt and add an additional two years to his sentence. However from what I have heard and the evidence presented to me by Mr Bledcoe's attorney I do believe that Mr Bledcoe did indeed have no control over his actions on the 2nd of June 2012 when he held Miss Charlotte Buckton, Miss Ruby Buckton and Mr Casey Braxton against their wishes. Although I will not excuse his actions I do believe Mr Bledcoe is at the moment of great harm to himself and those around him. The accused will be incarcerated for psychiatric treatment until he is deemed no longer a threat to himself or those around him after which he will be imprisoned to live out the rest of his sentence"

Charlie stared on blankly as the judge gave his verdict unable to comprehend why once again it seemed someone had shown him some sympathy. She glared over at Grant as he was ordered to his feet. Her burning gaze lay on him as he was escorted out of the doors by two officers. She cringed at the change in his eye as he glared at her. He had discarded of his poker face and she could now see the taunting in his eyes.

Getting close enough to them, Grant took the risk of relieving a smirk that he had been itching to display since they entered the court room. His gaze moved from Charlie to Ruby then to Brax. The venom in their eyes as they glared at him only widened the smirk on his face as he motioned past them.

...

Now stood outside the court Charlie stood gazing at the blank space before her as the judges words played over and over in her mind

"Charlie" Ruby stood before her after they had all started getting worried. Charlie had asked for a few minutes alone but she had been gone for over twenty minutes

Ruby looked up at her with worrying eyes "Are you ok?" Charlie looked down at her daughter brown eyes before nodding

"Yh I will be" Charlie stepped forward engulfing Ruby in a hug

Charlie looked up to see Casey, Heath and Brax making their way over. Pulling away from Ruby she gave them the only smile she could muster

Ruby stepped away from Charlie and into Casey as Brax edged closer to her. Choosing not to speak Brax simply wrapped his arms around her wanting for her to share whatever emotion she was feeling with him. She instantly clung to the back of his shirt grateful for his presence.

"I want to go home" Charlie spoke into his shoulders as he nodded his head lightly.

Pulling away from her Brax sighed heavily as Ella made her way towards them

"Charlie" Ella stood keeping distance between her and Charlie as Charlie looked up at her blankly

Charlie choose not to speak instead she stood peered over at Ella unable to phantom what it is she wanted to say to her

"What he did was wrong" spoke Ella as she tried to explain her reasoning to Charlie "But he needs help, he will still pay for what he did..." Charlie interrupted before Ella could finish

"Yh he'll pay for what he did to me eventually but for the time being he gets to act the victim when the only place they should be taking him to is a prison cell. And what about Ruby, what about Casey? Don't they deserve some kind of justice" Charlie's voice bared no anger, it was plain and emotionless "I get that you did what you think was best but until I know he is behind bars and he is suffering every waking moment I will never be satisfied, and even then he will never get to pay for what he did to my daughter and Casey". Charlie's eyes bore no anger towards Ella; hatred wasn't something she felt towards her, she knew no one could fully comprehend the emotion and physical damage Grant had imprinted on her

"He doesn't deserve your sympathy" and with that Charlie walked past her towards her car with Ruby and Casey following behind

Brax and Heath peered over at Ella, she had been a part of their life for nearly two years and they cared a great deal for her. Knowing the true reason behind her actions, holding a grudge against her seemed a hard thing to do

"You're a good person Ella, but you fought the wrong battle today" with that Heath made his way over to the rest leaving Brax alone with her

"I really think this was the right thing to do... I wasn't trying to hurt her or anyone else" said Ella as she looked up at Brax

Brax nodded his head lightly "Charlie knows that, and I know you think you did the right thing in fighting his case but you're wrong on this one Ella. Josh was a genuinely good person, but Grant isn't... I think you know that just as much as the rest of us" giving her a small nod her left her standing as all their words played back in her mind. Ella shut her eyes briefly hoping she had indeed done the right thing

...

The drive back to the bay was unbearable in both cars. Heath and Casey kept glancing at Brax who had once again clamed up refusing to acknowledge their peering eyes towards him.

Brax drove along the road but her face at the judges words remained imprinted in his mind. They had gotten what they wanted he had been sentenced but he had yet to be put away a decision he knew made not only him but also Charlie feel uneasy. He had offered to drive her back but she had refused saying she wanted to go home and rest. He wanted to believe she was ok but the same fear he thought had disappeared raised its head again

...

Ruby knew Charlie felt a scene of relieve wash over her but still the uneasy feeling knowing he was not behind bars still lingered in the air. The blank look on Charlie's face gave nothing away as she drove in silence

"It's ok to be angry" Ruby's voice came in a soft whisper but was loud enough for Charlie to hear. To others looking in on the situation they may not understand why she would be angry, he still got sentenced, he was still going to go to jail, but that wasn't the point. Life had always seemed to deal Charlie the worse hand possible and the one time she was meant to relish in the success of beating her unlucky strike, fate goes and throws a little bump in the road. Ruby watched as Charlie grip on the wheel tightened slightly and a tear rolled down her face

Charlie slowly nodded her head in response to Ruby's words

"Same goes for you. You can be angry too" spoke Charlie. This was as much about Ruby as it was her. She knew Grant had caused her pain too

Ruby nodded her head " I just to forget him so we can get on with our life's" said Ruby

"I am angry" spoke Charlie just as softly as Ruby had spoken "But I'm also relieved" Charlie's gaze remained placed on the road ahead. She smiled lightly as Ruby placed her head against her shoulder

"So am I" spoke Ruby. They had both realised something that they had seemed to be over looking. This was it, all the drama, all the pain, the fear it was over. He couldn't hurt them any longer. Fate may have dealt him an easy hand but either way he was going to pay for what he did and that was more than nothing.

...

Ruby opened the car door and began walking towards the front door before stopping in her tracks. She turned to find Charlie still sat in the driver's seat

"Charlie you coming?" asked Ruby as she walked back over to the car

Charlie looked over at her for a moment before speaking "You go inside there something I need to do... I won't be long"

Ruby looked at Charlie unsure if she should oblige to her request. Noticing the expression on Ruby's face Charlie spoke again

"I promise I will be right back" Ruby sighed and nodded before once again backing away from the car and making her into the house

...

They had returned back to summer bay over three hours ago. Brax had now tried Charlie's phone for the fifth time but yet no answer

Casey walked into the living room

"I called Ruby she said Charlie just dropped her off and said she had something she had to go and do, but she hasn't heard from her since"

Heath and Casey both peered at Brax knowing full well what he was thinking

"Brax she probably just needs some time alone... it's been a long day" said Heat but Brax's gaze remained on his phone

"It's been three hours" spoke Brax

Casey sighed "Brax she as no reason to run, Grant can't get to her anymore and she wouldn't leave Ruby behind"

Brax knew there was reasoning in what his younger brother had said, he may not have been in jail yet but Grant was gone, he was out of their lives. But the constant voice in his head made it impossible for him to take to that reasoning. His impatient side getting the best of him, Brax stood to his feet and made way for the door

Heath also stood to his feet "Brax where are you going?"

"I just need to get out of here" replied Brax as he shut the door behind him

...

Brax had been driving around for the best part of an hour trying his best not to let his thoughts get the better of him. He had called Ruby twice but yet there was still no sigh of Charlie. He knew Ruby was trying to hide it but he could hear the worry in her voice, where could Charlie possibly have gone for the past four hours. He had been to all the places he could think of, he even drove around Mangrove river for a while. Now stood on the beach, he stood before Elise and Ross. He didn't speak he just stared out into the ocean as he desperately tried to think of where she could be and what she could be doing. After being stood for a little over fifteen minutes he turned deciding he wasn't going to get anything. He stopped as a leaflet flew and fell just before his feet. Picking it up he peered at the picture of the family that stood smiling in front of it. The father and mother stood gazing down lovingly at their two kids that stood before them, he looked further into the picture and a smile crept onto his face at the family house that lay in the background. Dropping the leaflet he turned and nodded towards the ocean

"Thanks" his gratitude was barely audible but he knew he had been heard. Racing up the beach, he reached his car and made his way to the only place he hadn't checked. Slowing down as he reached the house a gush of breath that he hadn't realised he had been holding was finally released. He stopped the car behind hers and saw as she took a quick glance at him in the rear mirror. Climbing out of his car he slowly walked to the passenger side of her car.

Opening the door he climbed in, her gaze still firmly placed on the house in front of her

"It looks just the same as it did all those years ago" spoke Charlie her gaze remained unmoved "I can't believe how much I've missed being in that house. Remember all the pointless debates dad and Heath used to have" Charlie laughed lightly

"Yh" smiled Brax "I remember Elsie putting the both of them in their place more than once" chuckled Brax as Charlie laughed

"I know; mum always knew how to shut them up" added Charlie. She laughed a little harder causing Brax to raise an eyebrow

"What?" he asked

Charlie shook her head "I was just thinking about the first time you came round for dinner... I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole when dad started grilling you" She finally turned to face him

Brax chuckled "That had to be one of the most terrifying things I had ever faced... and his being a cop didn't help ease my nerves. I honestly thought he was at some point going to ask to search if I was carrying any illegal substances" Charlie's laughter filled the car at Brax words.

He watched her with admiring eyes, loving the sound of her laughter against his ears

"You had me worried" Brax spoke his voice more vulnerable than he had wanted. Charlie's sight stopped on his as she realised what he had meant. She had only intended on being there a while but once she got there and the memories that lay within the four walls of that house played back in her mind she found it hard to leave

"I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that was it" she nodded her head towards the house "That was the house in which we were all together for the last time, happy. I just wanted to remember"

Brax nodded in understanding just glad that he had found her

"Today may not have fully went how we hoped but it's over Brax" Charlie smiled over at him as she slid her hand into his "He can't hurt me or anyone any more it's actually over"

Brax smiled at her words, thankful that she was concentrating on the good that had come out of that day. He watched as she turned her body so every part of her way facing him

"And for the record, regardless of what could have happened today I would still be here" she entwined one hand in his and laid her free hand against his chest "Leaving you isn't an option for me Brax" she spoke trying to lay his doubtful mind to rest

Brax couldn't help the smile that crept onto his face at her words

"Good because I'm pretty sure being without you is something I never want to have to do"

A smile played on Charlie's lips "Pretty sure?"

Brax grinned at her exposing his dimples "Definitely Sure" he brought his hand to her face stroking his thumb along her cheek "I love you Charlie" he held her gaze trying to read her response to his words. His smile widened as he noticed the grin that spread across her face

A grin immediately covered her face at his words; it had been so long since she had heard those words from his mouth, and she had underestimated the effect it had on her. Leaning forward she placed her lips on his softly his hand still placed upon her cheeks as he held her to him. Pulling away her grin had yet to cease

"I love you too" She loved how his grin widened at her words.

'This was it' she thought to herself. No more drama, no more tears; she was finally allowed to be truly happy.

"We best get you home... I have a feeling Ruby is just as worried as I was" spoke Brax. Charlie nodded smiling as he leaned into her joining their lips once more. As he stepped out of her car and back into his she took one final glance at the house. Having only spent one year in that house it held the best memories of her life; she had at some point shared moments with everyone she considered important in her life. She started up the engine ready to make some new memories for herself but unlike before her past no longer lurked behind her. She was free to be who ever she wanted to be and live her life the way she wanted

thought?

[RoRo90]

Thank you Dingo x, soph1303, spotd1, kiwi151 and JarlieFanEver for the comments. Truly love knowing ppl are still enjoying this story. This chapter is a little rushed so I hope it ins't too bad. My sister gave birth yesterday so I have hardly been at home but wasn't sure when I would be able to write the next chapter so really wanted to get this up for you guys. (do not skip to the end of this chapter... trust me) Let me know what you think. And if the chapter are getting too long plz let me know guys I can easily split them if you want

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

Two Weeks later

"What do you guys think about this one? Asked Bianca as she walked out of the changing room

Leah, Martha and Charlie looked on at the dress unsure

"Too simple" stated Charlie. Martha and Leah instantly nodded in agreement

Without a word Bianca walked back into the changing room to go and try on what seemed like the 50th dress that day. She felt the dress slide against her body as she walked out in it. About to ask the girls what they thought she looked at all their faces as they lit up in awe. She smiled nervously waiting for one of them to comment on the Ivory sweetheart neckline dress that cupped her bust and clung to her body all the way down to her hips before falling in smooth layered tulle and lace.

"Wow B that's...wow" said Charlie as she looked on at the dress

"What she said" added Martha

"I think it's the one" smiled Bianca as she turned and took a look at herself in the mirror

"Bianca that is defiantly the dress" said Leah

"You're going to have Heath drooling when you walk down that isle" said Charlie

Bianca turned to face them "Well that's the plan" all the girls laughed at her words

...

Now back at the house the girls sat discussing the final preparations for the wedding

"I think we're done" said Leah as she sunk into the chair

"All that left is for the day to arrive and for you to be married" Smiled Martha as she looked up at Bianca

"I can't believe in a month I will be married" smiled Bianca her eyes beaming with joy. Charlie and the girls laughed as they looked at each other

"What?" chimed Bianca

"Do you know you still do that same goofy look when you think or talk about Heath" laughed Charlie

"I do not"

"Yes you do" laughed Martha

Charlie laughed "Guys remember the time they had that supposedly big argument before you guys came down to the city" Leah and Martha instantly burst out laughing

"I know she spent the whole trip down there talking about how much she hated him and then he called that night and you wouldn't even think they had argued" laughed Leah

Bianca bowed her head as she tried to hide her blushing cheeks

"He apologised" she defended herself causing the girls to laugh harder

"Remember she kept us up all night with all the phone calls they kept making to one another" added Martha

"Yea until Charlie hid my phone" Bianca peered over at her playfully

"What... I needed sleep" said Charlie "Bianca it was two in the morning and the both of you were still at it. I did it for your own good" she added a smile playing on her face. Her smile soon turn to that of a sheepish one as her stomach let out a subtle sound, unfortunately not subtle enough for the girls to miss

"Charlotte Buckton you cannot be hungry again" all the girls stared at her wide eyed but burst out laughing at the guilty look on her face

"I can't help it" said Charlie as she stood to her feet "Having a boyfriend that owns his own restaurant comes with great benefits" smiled Charlie as she picked up her phone and called the restaurant. Hanging up the phone she looked at the girls "Food will be here in 20" a different smile now played on her face. She placed her hand on her right hand where her bracelet lay.

The girls smiled at each other before looking up at her

"So I'm guessing it was Brax that picked up at the restaurant?" asked Leah

"Uhuh" nodded Charlie. She soon noticed the looks way they were looking at her

"What?"

"You" replied Bianca

"What about me?" asked Charlie

"Brax that's what" replied Martha

Charlie looked at them confused

"You really can't bag on Bianca when you have that look on your face just at the mere mention of Brax" said Martha

"I don't have a look"

"Charlie you're doing it right now" said Leah

"I don't know what you're talking about" dismissed Charlie as she continued to play with the bracelet around her wrist

"You've also been playing with that thing since you got off the phone" Bianca nodded her head down at Charlie's bracelet

Charlie removed her hand from the bracelet causing the girls to laugh. She smiled and shook her head at them before Bianca finally stopped laughing

"Maybe it'll be you and Brax next" she spoke

"Me and Brax what?" asked Charlie

"Getting married" answered Bianca

"I think it's a little early to be talking about marriage" answered Charlie

"So you've never thought about it?" asked Bianca

"I have but it's still way too early to talk about it with him" answered Charlie

"So you do want to marry him?" asked Martha

"I didn't say that I'm saying that..."

"So you don't want to marry him" teased Leah before Charlie could finish

"I didn't say that I just think..."

"So you do want to marry him?" interrupted Martha

"Yes just not..."

"Awwww Charlie you want to marry him" smiled Bianca

"I didn't say..."

"Yes you did you just said yes" said Martha

Charlie glared at all three of them

"If any of you voice this to your men I will hurt you" she pointed her finger at three of them causing them to laugh. Just as she did so the door opened to reveal Heath and Brax walking in with Reece and Abigail.

"Hi Mummy" Reece climbed onto his mother's lap as Heath Gave her a kiss

"Hy guys" he greeted them before taking a sleeping Abi up into her room

Charlie glared at the girls once more before looking up at Brax

"Hy guys... hy babe" Brax walked behind the couch before dipping his head and giving Charlie a quick kiss

"hy" Charlie smiled up at him as they parted.

"Your ears must be burning" laughed Martha but Charlie's quick death glare in her direction soon stopped her laughter

"What?" Brax looked up at her not haven caught what she had said

"Oh nothing" replied Martha as her Leah and Bianca stifled their laughter

Brax creased his face in suspicion but let it slid as he held out the pizza boxes "I come baring gifts" he said as he placed them down on the table.

"Brax I know Charlie as somewhat a huge appetite but surely you can't expect her to eat all that" said Bianca

"Hy" Charlie nudged her lightly

Brax chuckled "Miles and Jack are coming round too"

...

The girls had retracted into the garden with the kids leaving Brax, Heath, Jack and Miles in the living room

"Only a month to go now mate" Jack spoke as he brought the bottle of beer to his mouth "And then you're one of us" he pointed at himself and Miles

"Can't wait" smiled Heath causing Brax to motion a whip movement in the air

"Please like you can talk" laughed Miles "Your and Charlie aren't far behind, I bet this time next year it'll be her going all bridezilla on your ass" Heath and Jack laughed.

Brax shrugged his shoulders causing Heaths and Jacks laughter to come to a halt

"Wow you're not even freaking at the thought of it" said Jack

"Not thinking of getting married any time soon but all I'm saying is I can think of worse things than to be married to Charlie... a lot worse" replied Brax

And at that Miles returned the gesture Brax had given Heath and whipped his hand in the air "You deserved that one" he smirked over at Brax

"So you're done looking?" Jack already knew the answer

"If I can help it yea... I'm done looking" Brax grinned as he thought of Charlie

...

"Casey I can't find it" Ruby sat searching through their DVD collection

"Really... I'm sure that's where you put it the last time we watched it" Casey replied with a smirk as he stood in the kitchen

"What you looking for?" asked Charlie as she and Brax walked out of his room and into the living room

"The proposal... I can't seem to find it anywhere" moaned Ruby as she went through the collection one more time

"How did that even get there?" asked Brax as he walked into the kitchen

"I brought it round last week and I didn't take it back home" replied Ruby

Brax turned to look at Casey as he poured the pop corn into the bowl with a raised eyebrow

"Where is it?" Brax knew too well by the expression on Casey's face what he had done

"Where's what?" Casey looked up at Brax trying his best to keep a straight face

Brax raised his eyebrow in reply waiting for Casey to tell him the truth

Casey finally broke "Fine I hid it in their" Casey nodded his head towards the laundry room

Brax couldn't help the laughter that escaped his lips

"Wow that desperate ay" Brax chuckled in amusement

"We have watched that movie five times in two weeks... FIVE TIMES BRAX"

Casey's words only amused Brax the more

"Just suggest to her that you watch something else"

Casey narrowed his eyes at Brax "No"

"Awwwww you really like her don't you" Brax nudged him teasingly

"Shut up" Casey nudged him back

"Just suggest another movie to her it's not that hard Case"

Casey scoffed "Yh right, I have seen you try that with Charlie more than once and you never win"

"Whatever, look as long as they can't find it they can't make us watch it" said Brax as he followed Casey out of the kitchen

"Still can't find it?" Brax looked down at Charlie and Ruby trying to stifle his laughter as they rummaged through all the DVD's

"No" answered Charlie as she looked up at him. She squinted her eyes as she noticed the gleeful look of Brax's face before looking at Casey who was clearly trying his best to keep a straight face

"Err maybe we could watch something else" said Brax as he sat on the couch followed by Casey

Charlie grinned knowing full well what they had done. She leaned over to Ruby and Whispered in her ear. Ruby instantly looked up at the two guys as they sat doing their best to look as clueless as possible. She grinned before she and Charlie stood up and made their way over to the couch. Ruby sighed as she sat next to Casey

"Did you find something else?" asked Casey

Ruby sighed

"No but I really wanted to watch the proposal... you might as well pick something" pouted Ruby

Charlie tried to stifle her laughter at her daughters acting. Brax looked from Charlie to Ruby and instantly picked up on what they were trying to do. He gazed at Casey trying to catch his eye and warn him

"Isn't there anything else you like?" asked Casey as his eyes softened on her

Ruby shook her head her pout still firmly placed "No you pick" she desperately tried to keep her grin from playing on her face

Brax shook his head. He coughed out loud trying to get Casey attention

"Babe you ok" asked Charlie with a grin knowing he was trying to get Casey's attention

"Uh yh I'm good" he smiled at her before looking back at Casey

"Actually I think I might have seen that DVD somewhere" said Casey as he placed the pop corn down and stood from his seat

Brax swung his head back and groaned loudly as Casey returned back with the DVD in hand

"Here got it" he smiled at Ruby before placing the DVD into the player. Turning around he was meet by Brax as he shook his head at him

"You do realise you've just been played"

"What?" Casey turned to look at Ruby as her and Charlie burst out laughing

"They just played you mate" sighed Brax

"No way" Casey stood in disbelief

"Sorry but you started it" Ruby leaned forward pulling him onto the couch

"Don't worry Casey Brax as fallen for it plenty of times"

"No I haven't...I was just being a gentleman all those times" grinned Brax

"Yh you keep telling yourself that babe"

Ruby looked up at Casey pouting down at her

"You could have just said you wanted to watch something else"

Casey shook his head firmly "I have seen Charlie in action when she wants something... If your anything like her its best for me to stay on your good side"

Ruby laughed as she hit his arm lightly

"It was nice of you though" she smiled up at him

"What was?" asked Casey

"Hiding it instead of just saying no" Ruby grinned up at him before looking at the screen as the movie started. Casey grinned down at her before his head shut up at Brax's unsubtle cough

"So sprung" Brax mouthed with a grin

"Shut up" Casey turned his gaze to the TV. He smiled as Ruby moved slightly closer into him

...

"Hy" Charlie, Bianca and Martha walked into Leah's

"Hy guys" Leah smiled as they all crowded round the couch

"Where's Miles and the kids?" asked Martha

"He took them to the park" replied Leah "Do you guys want something to drink" all three girls shook their head

"Ok so what was the big news you wanted to share" asked Bianca as they all peered at Leah

Leah smiled at them knowing they would probably have mixed feelings about the news she was about to deliver

"Err Miles was offered a new teaching Job... and He's accepted it"

"That's great news" spoke Charlie "Why do you seem so nervous you are happy right?"

Leah nodded her head "Yh I am. He's so excited about it and the pay is great"

"Ok so what's the catch?" asked Martha knowing there was more

"The job isn't in Australia... it's in the US"

"You're moving to the US" Charlie spoke the obvious as her and the girls sat in surprise

"Yea... we're moving to the US"

"Wow..." Bianca sat in shock as the girls followed in suit

Charlie quickly snapped out of her thoughts as she noticed the uneasy look on Leah's face

"Leah that is great news... We're really happy for you guys" Charlie pulled Leah into a hug

"I can't believe your moving to the US" Shrieked Bianca as she too pulled Leah into a hug followed by Martha

"When?" asked Martha

"Well we managed to push it back till Bianca's wedding but it meaning we would have to leave that night"

"Leah that's three weeks away" shrieked Martha in shock

I would have told you guys earlier but we wasn't sure"

"But now you are?" asked Bianca

"Yeah now we are" replied Leah

"Wow the US" said Charlie "It's so far away" She knew they were all thinking it

"I can't believe we won't get to see you everyday" added Martha

"We can still talk everyday" Leah could feel her eyes glazing over as she realised how long the girls had been part of her life for.

"I never imagined the four of us would ever be apart" smiled Bianca as she tried to fight back her own tears

"We won't be apart... I might not get to see you guys everyday but like I said we can still talk and then there's Skype... it'll be like I'm still here"

"We're such sooks" laughed Martha through her teary eyes. All the girls joining in as they blinked away their tears "This is good news and we're sat here on the brink of tears"

"We really are happy for you for the both of you... it's just we're really going to miss you" Charlie smiled over at Leah

"I know" nodded Leah "I'm going to miss you guys too"

"Tonight the four of us are going out... the guys can take care of the kids. We're going to spend as much time together as possible before you go" spoke Bianca

"Deal" all the girls responded hoping the next three weeks wouldn't pass by too quickly

Three Weeks Later (Wedding day)

"Your mummy is always late isn't she" April cooed down at Abigail as she giggled lightly

"Guys you need to get down here... we're gonna be late" Ruby and April stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for Bianca, Charlie, Leah and Martha to make their way down

April sighed looking at the time "I bet you they're all up their crying... all that time we spent on her makeup"

"Will you guys get down here" shouted Ruby

...

"I can't believe it's finally here" Bianca stood staring at herself in the mirror. She turned to her three friends as they gazed at her admiring her in her wedding dress "I think one of the things that makes this day so special is that I get to share it with you guys. I can't believe how far we've all come" Bianca smiled at all her three friends

"You're gonna have to stop" sniffed Charlie "It took me long enough to do my make up I'm not having you ruin it" all the girls chuckled

"Can you believe we actually stuck by these knuckle headed guys" chuckled Martha. All the girls burst out laughing

"I know, if anyone had told me all those years ago that I would be getting married to Heath I would have cracked up" laughed Bianca "And now I can't imagine being without him" Bianca and the rest of the girls teared up at her words

"You guys are the perfect fit B... he worships the ground you walk on" said Charlie

"Ok now you're gonna have to stop... don't want to rock up to my own wedding looking like bridezilla"

"Plus if we don't get down there soon those two girls are gonna kill us" said Leah referring to the girls who had been calling them down for the past five minutes

"Right have we got everything?" asked Martha as they all looked at one another

"Yea I think so" said Bianca

"It's time to go get you married" Charlie smiled over at Bianca putting her hand out for her to grab before they all made their way down the stairs

...

"Mate you ready?" Brax asked as they all came out of the rooms suited up

"Yep" Heath nodded his head with a smile

"Still can't believe you're the first one out of the two of us to get married. Actually what's even more unbelievable is that you actually managed to get Bianca to agree to this without having to bride her or drag her down there kicking and screaming" Brax gave him a cheeky grin

"I have plenty charm... and she obviously couldn't resist such a good looking guy like me" replied Heath

"Or she just as really bad taste in men" grinned Brax as he gave Heath a nudge "Na but seriously I'm happy for you bro you deserve this" Brax gave him a pat on the back

"Thanks" Heath smiled over at him "And I will have you know I am the only good looking one out of the three of us. Those Buckton girls must be crazy to be wanna be with your ugly mugs"

"Oi" said Casey as he walked into the living room as Brax chuckled

"Ok Heath keeping telling yourself that" said Brax

"Yh we all know I got all the looks actually and the brains too" smirked Casey

"The both of you are deluded" replied Brax

"Actually you're all deluded because your all as ugly as each other" Jack grinned at them as he and Miles walked into the living room "Now that's settled how about we get to the church before your bride"

...

The guys stood at the front of the church now waiting for the girls to make their way through. They watched with uncontrollable smiles as they made their way down the church one by one. Heath smiled as Reece came down the aisle grinning at Heath as he kept a steady hold on the white satin pillow in his hands. He was followed by April who made her way to the front with Abi in her hand.

Casey's smile turned into a blinding grin as Ruby followed behind April. her grin matched his as she studied him dressed in his suit. Heath looked over at Ruby then at his brother before chuckling under his breath

Heath leaned over to Casey slightly

"So sprung" Casey nudged him as Heath laughed at his brother

All the girls had now been and it was only Charlie and Bianca left to make their way into the church

"This is it" smiled Charlie as she looked at Bianca

"Yh... this is it" Charlie gave Bianca's hand a light squeeze before turning and walking into the church.

Brax's eyes widened as Charlie made her way to the front of the church. His grin appeared in a flash as he studied her. He monitored the way her hair flowed to one side on her shoulder and how the dark blue dress hugged her body perfectly. His grin expanded as he noticed her blushing under his gaze, but he couldn't help but stare. It didn't matter how long they had been together or how many times he saw her, every time she always seemed to almost knock the breath from his lungs. As she stopped and stood beside the rest of the girls he passed her a wink as she grinned over at him

"Would you like us to put things on hold and give you guys a minute" Heath whispered to Brax with a smirk

"Shut up" Brax chuckled as he turned his attention back down the aisle

Heath watched in awe as Bianca made her way down the aisle and towards him; her grin matched his as she closed in on him. heath had expected to feel nervous once the day arrived but seeing her stood before him about to become his wife he couldn't think of a feeling better than the one he felt in that moment. She stopped dead in front of him their gaze never leaving one another

"You look beautiful" whispered Heath

Bianca smiled at him "I love you"

"I love you too" Heath took a hold of her hand as they turned ready to become husband and wife

...

Walking up behind Bianca Heath wrapped his arms around her waist. Bianca smiled and turned to face him

"Missing me already?" she laughed as he nodded his head childishly

"And on that note we will leave you guys to it" Charlie pulled Ruby along

"Can you believe we're finally married" smiled Bianca as she wrapped her arms around his neck

"And about time too" Heath grinned as he dipped his head placing a kiss on her lips "So how much longer do we have to stay here?" questioned Heath with a grin

"Why?" asked Bianca as she raised her eyebrow

"Well I was thinking we could head off and start the honeymoon a little early" Heath winked at her

She shook her head in amusement

"Babe as much as I would love that we've only been here a little over an hour... I promise we will celebrate loads tonight"

"Can't wait" he leaned down again pressing a more passionate kiss on her lips. They both parted at the clicking of the glass. Looking up they were meet with Charlie's beaming face

Charlie looked over at both Bianca and Heath

"I know we've already done the speeches but I wanted to leave this one till last" she smiled over at Heath nodding for him and Bianca to come to the front

"I errr... I have a surprise for you but I was under strict instructions not to give it to you till this very day. Dad and Mum missed out on seeing you graduate and I guess they figured this would be the next best thing"

Heath, Brax and Casey peered at her smiling as she mentioned Ross and Elise. Charlie held up a letter

"This was one of the many things dad and mum had left behind before they passed away... I think they just wanted to make sure that in case they wasn't able to be here they could still show you how much they loved you. And although I wasn't sure if I would be here to share this with you guys I held onto it anyway, and I am so glad that I get to share this with you"

Bianca looked up at Heath giving his arm a light squeeze before looking back at Charlie. Everyone watched as Charlie opened up the letter. She cleared her throat as she gave Heath a smile before looking back down at the letter

Dear Heath

If Charlie is reading this instead of I or Elise it means that unfortunately we are no longer with you guys but then it also means that Charlie as found you guys again and you have let her and Ruby back into your lives and that brings me and Elise more joy than you will ever know. Most importantly it means you are finally a married man. I never doubted the person you could become, you have by far got to be the most stubborn and relentless person I have ever met but that's what makes you who you are and that's what I admire about you. If there is one thing I truly miss it's our off topic debates

I have no doubt that you will be a wonderful husband and I only wished I had been there to tell countless embarrassing jokes but we will be there in spirit, that I am sure of. The girls have shown me a few pictures of your young boy Reece and he is the spitting image of you and no doubt he's probably a cheeky one too.

I know he is lucky to have you as a father and all your other kids to come. I remember the day you told me and Elise what you would want when you graduated but I figured seeing as we couldn't give it to you then we would give you your present now.

I hope you never doubted how much we cared about you, you are our family and you always will be, we love you like our own

You never failed to make I and Elise smile and I know you will bring as much joy to your brides life as you did mine and Elise

We wish you the best in everything you do Heath, We trust that you will succeed in all that you do

Love Ross and Elise

Charlie looked up at Heath. Her tears had long ago made their way down her face and it seemed it wasn't only her shedding tears. Ruby and the girls all stood sniffing as they tried to wipe the tears from their faces without ruining their makeup. Bianca looked over at Heath through her hazy eyes and noticed his eyes were now glazed over with tears. He smiled over at Charlie as he tried to keep his tears from falling

Charlie smiled back at him before picking up her glass followed by everyone else

"To Heath and Bianca"

Everyone followed "To Heath and Bianca"

"Err there's more actually. Dad left me in charge of delivering your presents safely, so first" Charlie paused as she walked over to Bianca and Heath

"Here" she handed Heath the envelope. Taking it out of her hand he looked at her confused as he opened up the envelope

"They left specific instruction for me to book it for when you got married... they already had the money put away" spoke Charlie as Heath glared down at the tickets in the envelope

"You said you wanted a holiday so there's one of your requests right there"

"Tickets for Hawaii, for two weeks... are you serious?" Heath looked up at her dumbfounded

"Yep... your flight leaves tomorrow morning"

"I can't believe they did"

"I can" smiled Charlie "And that's not the end of it" Heaths head spun up at her words

"There's more?" he asked surprised

"Yep... but you're going to have to come outside for this one"

Heath raised an eyebrow

"Trust me you'll love this one" Charlie grinned as she turned on her heels. She and Ruby made their way to the car park waiting for the rest to catch up.

Heath and the other guys looked at her questionably as they now stood in the middle of the car park. Charlie shook her head laughing wondering how Heath hadn't caught on to what the surprise was. She took a quick glance at Brax and knew he had figured it out as he grinned at her knowingly

"You asked for something else that day too" Charlie grinned up at Heath

It finally dawned on him what the final present was

"They didn't" Heath asked in disbelief

Ruby opened her palms to reveal a set of car keys. She pressed on the car locks but both her and Charlie kept their eyes on Heath wanting to see his reaction when he realised which car it was. As the car beeped Heath followed the sound.

As his gaze feel on the car that had just been unlocked his jaws dropped in disbelief. He peered at it for a while before looking back at Charlie and Ruby

"You're not serious" he asked wide eyed

Charlie and Ruby chuckled as he stood in awe

"Yea... dad brought it not long after we left the bay. He finished fixing it up a few years ago. He said he would give it to you one day"

"How... he-h..." Heath stuttered as he peered at the Ute that was now his

"Apparently in one of your never ending discussion you had mentioned how much you liked this model so I guess when he saw it he couldn't help himself" smiled Charlie

"I... I don't know what to say"

"You don't have to say anything. Its always been yours" Charlie smiled over at him as Ruby handed him the keys

Heath pulled both Ruby and Charlie into a hug "So glad you guys came back" he emphasised on the 'so'

Everyone laughed at him

"What... I am" he said as he made his way over to the car

"I can't believe you didn't tell me" said Bianca as she watched Heath and the guys doth over the Ute

"What and spoil the fun" smirked Charlie. Her gaze shifted as Brax made his way over to them

"I'll go and see if I can get the attention of my husband over this Ute"

"Good luck with that" Chuckled Brax

Ruby and the girls joined the guys at the car as Brax and Charlie stood watching Heath's face

"He looks like a kid on Christmas morning" laughed Brax

Charlie laughed lightly as she stepped closer to him wrapping her arms around his waist. Brax instantly wound his arms around her

"So you kept this quite"

"I know... but I know you boys and after a few drinks you tend to start spilling uncontrollably and I didn't want to take away from the surprise" she smiled up at him

"Point taken, thank you for this, I think it's made today all that more special for him"

Charlie shook her head lightly "I was just doing what mum and dad asked"

"Well either way thank you" Brax smiled dwon at her before taking her lips in his

...

"I can't believe you guys are really leaving" said Charlie as she wrapped her arms around Leah

"Are you sure we can't tempt you into staying... or bride you" the girls laughed at Martha's words

"I'm gonna miss you guys so much" spoke Leah through her teary eyes "But I will be down every chance possible and you guys can come and visit"

"Just try and stop us" said Bianca as she and the girls embraced Leah in a final hug

"Who would have thought ten years down the line we would still be the best of friends"

"I always knew you guys would be my friends forever" spoke Charlie causing the girls to tear up even more

"God Buckton what is with you and making people cry today" all the girls laughed as Bianca spoke

"What can I say it's a skill" laughed Charlie

"But seriously guy's thank you, I don't think I could have gotten through all those years without the three of you"

Leah peered at Charlie "you don't have to thank us as far as I'm concerned we're all family"

"We err... we got you a little something." Martha spoke as she held out a gift bag to Leah.

Leah pursed her lips together as she took the gift bag. Taking out the content a tear fell from her eye. It was a picture that the four of them had taken when they were only nineteen and had gone to visit Charlie in the city. Leah chucked as she remembered the mischief they had got up to that day

"We didn't want you forgetting about us" said Bianca

Leah looked up at her three friends

"Thank you guys so much... and as for forgetting the three of you, trust me when I say that's not possible"

...

Brax and the guys stood together

"Wow can't believe this is it mate" Brax gave Miles a pat on the back"Don't go and forget us now ay" chuckled Brax

Heath scoffed playfully "Like anyone could ever forget someone like me" Miles shook his head as he chuckled lightly

"I am actually going to miss your smart ass comments" he smiled at all his friends "You do know this is only going to give them an excuse to sit on the phone to one another for hours on end" Miles pointed at the girls as they all stood in each other's embrace. The guy's chuckled

"We're definitely in for it" laughed Jack

Miles smiled over at his friends "I can't believe how far we've come since school" they all chuckled at his word

"Yea I know right" replied Jack

"It doesn't matter where we are or what happens we will always have each other's back" smiled Brax

"Definitely" replied Miles

"What time is your flight?" asked Brax

Miles looked down at his watch "Two hours we best get going" he looked back up at the girls "Leah we have to go"

Leah pulled away from the girls as they all made their way over to the guys

"You best call as soon as you guys land" spoke Bianca through teary eyes

"I promise" Leah wiped her tears away as she turned to the guys "I'm going to miss you guys too" she smiled as they all embraced her one by one

"Take care of yourself... and take care of those two" said Brax as he peered at VJ and Lily who were both fast asleep in the back seat of the car

"Will do" Leah smiled up at all of them before taking her seat in the car. The girls gave Miles a hug goodbye before he too got into the car.

"Ready?" asked Jack as he got into the driver's seat ready to take them to the airport

"Yea" both Miles as Leah spoke as they waved goodbye to their friends ready to start their new lives away from Summer Bay

SIX MONTHS LATER

"Brax I have to go" Charlie giggled as Brax kept a tight grip on her waist

"Na huh" Brax grinned as he brought his lips down to her neck leaving trails of kisses before meeting her lips.

"Uhmm Brax" Charlie mumbled into the kiss before finally pulling away "Sorry babe but I really do have to go if I turn up late again because of you Jack is going to have my head" laughed Charlie as she did up the remaining buttons on her uniform

"He'll get over it" Brax lowered his lips to her neck again but Charlie quickly pulled away as she shook her head lightly smirking at the childish look on his face

"Promise you I will make it up to you later"

"Looking forward to it" Brax displayed his dimples as he grinned over at her

Giving him a kiss she quickly pulled away before he could reach her

"Love you" Brax called after her as she walked out the door

"Love you too" shouted Charlie as she dashed towards her car hoping to get to work on time

Brax turned at the cough coming from behind him. He was met by Casey who had now walked into the kitchen

"You know it's really not cool that you feel the need to keep me up half the night" Casey's face creased as he remembered the sounds that had woke him up

"Not only is that Charlie but she is also my girlfriends mum... I really would rather not know what you do when you're alone" groaned Casey

Brax grinned as he walked into the kitchen

"Figured you would be used to it by now" he chuckled lightly at the disgusted groan coming from Casey

Looking up at the time Brax raised an eyebrow as he looked over at Casey

"It's a Saturday and you're up before nine... you ok?" Brax teased as he placed a hand on Casey forehead only to have Casey slap it away

"Ruby called from Heath's about an hour ago... she wants to go down the beach then to the city" Casey yawned as he pulled his hands over his face "do you know she has been up since seven SEVEN on a Saturday" Casey placed his head on the table

Looking over at Casey Brax laughed knowing full well Casey was far from a morning person "Well that's one thing she definitely didn't get from Charlie"

"All I want to do is sleep" moaned Casey

"Good luck with that mate" Brax chuckled as he walked out of the kitchen and into his room

...

"Wow you actually managed to get here on time" Jack teased Charlie as she walked into the office

"Trust me Brax doesn't make it very easy" grinned Charlie. Her grin turned into a chuckle as Jack screwed up his face

"Please never share information like that with me... ever" Charlie laughed at his words

"Please... like you guys don't talk about all that when you get together"

"Me never... Martha would kill me" Charlie burst out laughing as he spoke

Her laughter came to a halt as Inspector Joyce entered the room.

"Inspector" Charlie and Jack spoke in sync as the y looked up at him. The smiles on their faces soon disappeared as they noticed the seriousness in his expression.

Joyce closed the door behind him as he peered at the two of them. He knew once he had told them the news there was a good chance they would both completely flip most especially Charlie.

"I wanted to tell the both of you the news first before you heard it around the station" Joyce watched as both Charlie and Jack peered at him unsure of what was going on

"There was an incident early this morning concerning Mr Bledcoe"

[RoRo90]

As always thanks for the comments... Really unsure (Not very happy with it) about this chapter just hope it didn't disappoint to much.

CHAPTER FORTY TWO

Charlie felt her throat dry up at the mention of Grant. In the past six months she had managed to forget him but it seemed her luck had now run out.

Both Charlie's and Jacks gaze now burned into Joyce fiercely as they stood in anticipation of what he was about to tell them. Joyce noticed how Charlie tensed up at the mention of Grant. Sighing he knew there was no easy way to deliver the news so he got straight to the point

"Mr Bledcoe was passed a week ago as no longer being a threat to himself or others and they were to transfer him to the prison today"

"Were?" Charlie felt her throat dry up 'What does he mean were?' she thought to herself but her question was quickly answered

"Yes were... there was an accident on the way to the prison and Mr Bledcoe managed to escape"

Charlie glared at him in disbelief "Escaped?" she repeated his words waiting for him to tell her she had heard wrong

"Unfortunately yes" replied Joyce. He couldn't deny that he was a little startled as Jacks voice bellowed through the office

"HOW THE HELL DID HE ESCAPE?" Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing

"Constable Holden I advice you keep your voice down, we don't want to make matters worse"

Jack glared at him in disbelief

"Worse... how could they possibly get worse?"

"We are doing everything we can to track him down in the mean time we will be keeping a close eye on all of you just in case he tries anything stupid"

"I-I can't believe this is happening" Charlie voice came in a fragile whisper, her gaze never leaving Joyce

"Constable Buckton I assure you... we will catch him. However you two will not be on the case..."

"What no, I want to..." Jack was interrupted by Joyce

"Constable Holden that it not a request it is a command. You are to stay well away from this case. The officers assigned know what they are doing"

"Constable Buckton if you would like, your shift for the week can be covered by Constable Watson. I do suggest you go home and try not to worry too much... his time is limited" and with that he excused himself from the office

As the door closed shut Jacks gaze fell on Charlie, her gaze still placed on the spot Joyce had previously occupied

"Charlie" he called as he walked over to her

"How could this happen? She looked up at Jack "How could they let this happen?" Charlie couldn't believe the turn her morning had taken. She had woken up happier than she had ever been and now all that had been taken away

"I don't know Charlie but I know they will do everything possible to track him down... he won't get far" Jack placed a hand on her shoulder but could see his words were doing little to calm her anxiety

"Come on let me take you home" Jack sighed as Charlie shook her head

"No I'm not going to let him stop me from doing my job"

"Charlie there is no way you're going to concentrate today. Go home rest up and if you feel up to it I'm sure Joyce wouldn't mind you doing your shift for the rest of the week.

Charlie looked up at him nodding her head in defeat.

Jack watched on as she walked towards the door, following behind her he quickly pulled his phone out

*Brax be at Charlie's in ten... it's important*

...

"Wait what?" Brax asked Jack unsure if he had correctly grasped what he had said

"Grant escaped" Jack knew there was no chance Brax would stay calm about this

"HOW THE HELL DID HE ESCAPE" Brax's voice rose considerably as his anger got the best of him

"Joyce said..." Jack was cut short by Brax

"No you already told me what Joyce said but what I can't understand is that he not only managed to escape while two officers were in close range but he also managed to do it without any witnesses... AT THE SCENE OF A F**KING ACCIDENT" Brax's voice rose again.

"Charlie is in there" Jack pointed down the hall of Charlie's house "Do you think you losing it is helping her?" he sighed in relieve as the mention of Charlie's name soon calmed Brax's angry expression

"This can't be happening" Brax buried his head in his hand trying to grasp the unfortunate turn the day had taken. His head snapped up at the nearing footsteps. Charlie stood now dressed in her sweats and her hair tied up. She gazed over at him but didn't say a word.

Standing to his feet Brax walked over to her

"Hy" he spoke softly as he drew his hand towards her cheek gently stroking it.

Charlie leaned her face into his touch before pushing her whole body into his. Without delay Brax's hands wrapped around her tightly as she clung onto him

Looking on at the two of them Jack stood to his feet before giving Brax a gentle nod and slipping out the door. Reaching the car he pulled his phone out of his pocket deciding it was best to let Heath know what was going on.

...

Charlie stood in Brax's embrace neither of them saying a word. She buried her head into his chest her hands clenched onto the back of his shirt

"I meant what I said... I will never let him hurt you" Brax finally broke the silence

"I know" Charlie replied slowly pulling away from him. Her hands still clinging to his shirt she looked up at him

"I don't know if I have the strength for all this again... I thought it was finally over" she sighed. Her eyes closed subconsciously as Brax placed his hand back against her cheek. Cupping her cheek in his hand he moved forward slightly as he placed a lingering kiss on her forehead. She leaned into his touch as he pulled away

"You don't have to be strong Charlie... I can be strong for you" Brax placed his forehead against hers for a few seconds before pulling away

"They will catch him" said Brax hoping there was truth in his words. The thought of Grant getting anywhere near Charlie or any of his friends and family was unthinkable.

Finally releasing him Charlie sighed as she walked over to the couch and took a seat

"What if they don't... what if he comes back to Summer Bay?"

Brax shook his head as he hurried over to her and sat beside her "You can't think like that Charlie... and Grant would be stupid to come back here and even if he did he wouldn't get very far"

Charlie looked up at Brax "I've been calling Ruby but she's not picking her phone. I don't want her or Casey going into the city alone when Grant could be anywhere. I need to try calling her again"

"I'll give them a call" replied Brax but as he picked up his phone a message came through. Seeing Heaths name flashing on the screen he opened up the message

*Picked Casey and Ruby up they are at mine... will bring Ruby home later*

Brax didn't need to ask, he knew Jack must have told Heath what was going on. He thanked Heath for using his initiative and getting Ruby and Casey to stay at his where they would be safe.

"That was Heath, Ruby and Casey are with him and Bianca... he's gonna bring Ruby home later" Brax sighed as he saw relief was over Charlie's face. Shifting closer to her he pulled her into him a gesture which she eagerly accepted as she moved her body into his and rested her head and hand on his chest

"Thank you" Murmured Charlie

Brax raised an eyebrow confused as to what he had done that rewarded her thanking him. Noticing his silence Charlie explained herself

"For being here... thank you"

Brax shook his head light

"I've told you before ... I am more than happy to have you lean on me. That's what I'm here for" he tightened his grip around her "They'll find him Charlie"

"I hope so, I really do" Charlie buried her head back into her chest trying to shake away the possibility of what Grant could do if he returned to Summer Bay

Brax peered down at Charlie as she curled up against him; his mind flashed back to the first time he met Grant and then to the last time he was with Charlie before she left. He reached the moment in the hospital when he saw her again, to the moment in which she told him why she had left. He remembered the rising of her chest when Grant returned and stood at Heaths door. He recollected the cries of her tears when Grant held a gun to Ruby and then the breath that gushed from his own lungs as Charlie entered that house. He recalled the grip she had on him when the judge decided Grants fate at the court. Brax realised that everything bad, all the downs they had faced always linked back to Grant.

Shutting his eyes briefly, in that moment Brax swore that no matter what the price was he would do whatever it took to protect Charlie

...

Brax's Head shot up as the front door open. He smiled as Heath and Ruby walked into the House.

"Hy" Ruby whispered as she noticed Charlie asleep against his chest

"You ok?" Brax instantly asked knowing the news of Grant would have affected Ruby just has much as it had Charlie

Ruby nodded her head "Yea, how is she?" at Ruby's question Charlie stirred and her eyes fluttered open

"Hy mum" Ruby looked down at Charlie as she looked up at her. Brax gently shifted off the couch letting Ruby take his previously occupied Space

"Hy" Charlie wrapped her arms around Ruby "You ok?"

"Yh I'm ok" Ruby leaned into her mother's arms

Charlie smiled up at Heath "Thank you for bringing her home"

"It's not bother" Heath smiled down at her before following Brax into the kitchen

"How she holding up?" asked Heath in a whisper not wanting Charlie or Ruby to hear the worry in his voice

"Honestly... She's really shaken Heath" Brax buried his head in his hand before looking back up at Heath

"How about Ruby... how's she really holding?"

"She putting up a front but you can tell she's shaken too. How the f**k could they let this happen" Heath sighed in frustration

"If he comes anywhere near them Heath God so help me I will Kill him" Brax shook his head aggressively as he tried to keep his growing anger in check

"Let's just hope he wouldn't be stupid enough to do that" replied Heath

Brax and Heath both looked up as Charlie walked into the kitchen

"What's going on in here?" she asked as she walked over to Brax

Nothing he smiled down at her

"Well you're in safe hand's so I'll get going... Bianca said she would call you later" Heath smiled over at her

"Did Case not come with you?"

"Na we thought it was best if he stayed with us... we figured Brax would probably be staying over here"

Charlie looked up at Brax "You don't have to, me and Rubes..."

"It's not up for discussion" interrupted Heath "It's either Brax stays or me... it's your choice"

Brax smiled over at Heath giving him a nod in recognition of his help

"Thank you" Charlie walked over to Heath and gave him a hug. Heath wrapped his arms around her

"Anytime" pulling away he smiled at her before deciding to head off

"I'm gonna get going" he walked out of the kitchen and into the living with Charlie and Brax not far behind him

"They'll find him soon"

"I hope so" replied Ruby as he opened the front door

"Say bye to Rubes for me"

"Will do" Charlie smiled at him as he closed the door behind him

She turned to face Brax as he stood before her

"Do you think he would come back here" worry laced through her voice as she spoke

Brax sighed as he pulled her into him "I hope not I really do"

...

Brax walked out of Charlie's room and headed to the kitchen in the dark. He slowed his walk as he noticed the light in the kitchen was on

"Rubes" he lingered back for a while "Rubes?" he sighed in relief as she came into view

"Sorry just came to get some water"

Brax walked into the kitchen "Its fine I just..." before he could finish Ruby spoke

"I know" Her gaze deep in the glass of water in her hand

"How long you been up for?" asked Brax as he sat on one of the stools

"Not long" shrugged Ruby

Brax sighed again he knew he wasn't the only one trying to be strong for Charlie. Standing up from the stool he outstretched his arms slightly

"Come here" he nudged his head signalling for her to come to him

She gazed up at him slowly but had yet to move. Brax kept his arms out stretched as she peered up at him he smiled at her encouraging her to come forward.

She slowly placed her glass on the table and walked towards him. Reaching him she wrapped her arms around him and him her.

"You know I'm here for you as well" he smiled as she nodded her head and settled into the hug

"I'm really scared Brax" For the first time since Heath had dropped her off Brax could her the vulnerability in her voice

"I know you are but I won't let anything happen to the both of you neither will Heath or Casey" Brax smiled as he felt her lips curl up as he mentioned Casey's name.

"That's what Casey said" replied Ruby

"And he was right"

Ruby pulled back from the hug smiling up at Brax

"You know regardless of all the things that have happened I'm really glad we came back to the Bay and I'm glad Charlie as you"

Brax grinned down at her

"I'm glad you guys came back to and I'm lucky to have Charlie and Case is lucky to have you" he nudged her playfully at the smile on her face

"I'm lucky to have him. He's been really great today" smiled Ruby

"Well you know he gets all that from me" grinned Brax

Ruby Chuckled as she went to pick up her glass of water "That's the same thing Heath said"

"Well He's clearly lying" scoffed Brax

Ruby shook her head as she walked to the entrance of the kitchen "Honestly I think the both of you could learn a thing or two from Casey" she chuckled at the look on his face

"Oi" he grinned. He was happy he had been able to make her smile

Ruby looked at him grateful that he had taken the time to be there for her

"Thank you"

"You Buckton girls just love that word don't ya" teased Brax

"We're just polite like that" smirked Ruby "Night Brax" she turned and walked through the living room

"Night Rubes" Brax opened up the fridge pouring himself a glass of water before going back into Charlie's room

...

Creeping quietly as not to wake her he placed the glass cup on her bedside table and slowly slid back into the bed. He jumped slightly as Charlie spoke

"Hy" she laughed as she felt him jump

"Thought you were asleep" he relaxed as he wound his arm around her and she placed her head on his chest "I didn't wake you did I?"

"Na just woke up and you was gone"

"got a little thirsty" replied Brax as he drew circles on the tip of her shoulder

"you're really good with her you know"

"Uh" Brax looked down at her

"I got up to come find you and I heard you talking to Ruby. You're good with her"

"She's a good kid" replied Brax

Charlie looked up at him and placed a kiss on his lips

"What was that for?" he asked as he tuck a strand hair behind her ear

"Just for being you" Charlie smiled as she placed her head back on his chest

...

Two weeks later

"So I take it there's been no improvement in finding Grant" Bianca peered at Charlie as she bounced Abi on her lap

Charlie sighed "No... It's like he's just completely disappeared"

"Well I'm sure they're doing all they can to track him down" added Martha

"I know they are but it's a bit frustrating when they won't even let me know how it's going. They refuse to tell me or Jack anything"

"Maybe he's actually gone" said Bianca

Charlie looked up at her friends as she shook her head lightly

"I don't want him to be gone, I want them to find him and throw him in jail where he belongs"

Bianca and Martha nodded in understanding

"So no Brax today" asked Martha. Ever since Grant had escaped the guys had turned into Charlie's and Ruby's personal body guards

Charlie chuckled

"No... He had to go into work. As much as I love him he isn't half driving me crazy" Bianca and Marta laughed at her expression

"I came to get a drink last night turned around and he's stood there. He scared the life out of me"

"He's just trying to protect you" laughed Martha

"Trust me if he gives me as fright like that again the only one that's gonna need protecting is him" Chuckled Charlie

"How's Ruby coping?" Asked Bianca

"She's ok... a lot better than she was two weeks ago. But saying that I don't think she is quiet used to having personal body guards. Do you know Heath and Casey never left her side yesterday? She was either with one of them or the both of them" Bianca and Martha burst out laughing along with Charlie

"And if you think that's bad Brax and Jack actually escorted her from the beach to the surf club yesterday" Charlie shook her head through her laughter

"You should have seen the gleeful look on her face when we had all of ten minutes alone this morning"

Bianca shook her head as she eased her laughter "She better get used to it. I have a feeling even we get past this whole Grant dilemma they will still be protective of her"

"That's what I told her this morning" replied Charlie

...

Walking into the house Brax headed straight into his room wanting to get some clean clothes to take back to Charlie's. Packing up he opened up his bedside draw grabbing his watch. Closing it up and turning towards the door he stopped and turned as his mind played over the contents of the drawer. It seemed like forever since he had read those letters and peered aimlessly at the velvet box. He stood unsure for a moment before dropping his things and heading back over to the drawer. Sitting at the edge of his bed in a familiar manner he pulled the drawer open once more and gazed down at the things he had kept hidden from the rest of the world. He picked up both Ross and Charlie's letters and peered at them for a few seconds before placing them down beside him. His gaze travelled back towards the draw and onto the gift he had not been able to give Charlie all those years ago.

He sighed lightly before reaching his hand into the drawer and pulling out the small box. He peered down at it as he remembered the last time he had taken a look inside it. He hadn't gazed at it in over ten years but yet he had a vivid image of what it looked like. He placed his other hand on the top as he slowly lifted the velvet box open. He had expected his stored image of it to be deceiving but it wasn't, it looked exactly how he had remembered it. He traced his hand along the top of it as he thought back to what it was meant to have symbolised, he wanted her to know he was truly hers and this was meant to have been his way of showing that. Still with the box in hand, he thought back to everything they had been through and had overcome in the last ten months. He remembered the churning feeling in his stomach when Charlie walked into the house in order to get Ruby and Casey away from Grant. The thought of losing her alone had nearly crushed him. He peered back down at the object in the box and a light smile crept up onto his face. Placing the box in his back pocket he picked up the letters and placed them back in their place before closing the drawer.

...

Charlie smiled as he placed a kiss on the back of her neck "Hello to you too" She turned around wrapping her arms around him

"How was work?" She placed a kiss on his lips

"Boring... would rather have spent the day with you" Grinning down at her he pulled her closer for another kiss

"You are such a charmer" Charlie shook her head playful

"Na, just honest" grinned Brax before his eyes peered up "Where's Ruby?"

Charlie shook her head

"She's gone to Bianca's for the night... she wanted to hang out with April and yes Heath is at home" Charlie rolled her eyes playfully

"Good" replied Brax as Charlie smiled up at him sweetly

"What?" he raised one eyebrow in question to her smile

Charlie shrugged "I'm happy. Despite everything that going on with Grant escaping I'm just happy that I have you. And I love that you guys look after Ruby"

Brax grinned down at her "I'm happy I have you too... and Ruby is family of course we're going to look after her. Case is lucky he's my brother or I would be grilling him" Charlie laughed as she slapped him lightly on the chest

Brax pulled her in closer "How about me and you go out tonight"

"Like on a date" Charlie beamed up at him

"Yep... it's been a while since we just spent some time together"

"That would be really nice... I'll go have a shower then get ready" Charlie dropped her arms from around him but he kept his grip on her. She creased her face at the suggestive look in his eyes

"Would you like some company" he grinned down at hr before lowering his head to her neck

She giggled as he lightly grazed his teeth against her skin

"As much as I would love that its already going to seven so unless you're planning on taking me to a drive through we best not waste any time"

"Waste... ouch" Brax pouted

Charlie laughed as she slapped his chest "You know what I mean" she pecked his lips once more before finally making her way out of the kitchen and into the bathroom

"Well I hope we will be wasting some time when we get back"

Charlie shook her head and chuckled at his words before closing the bathroom door

Hearing the closing of the bathroom door Brax dug out his phone and dialled her number

"Hy Bianca"

"Brax Hy, is everything ok?"

"Err... yh I need your help with something" he ran his hand through his hair

"Err ok" replied Bianca. She felt a smile break onto her face as Brax explained what he wanted help doing. "We can definitely help you with that. How long have we got?"

"Err she's just gone to take a shower so let's say an hour and a half" answered Brax

"Ok... we'll go over there now"

"Thanks Bianca"

...

"Charlie are you not ready yet" Brax sighed as he looked down at the message that had just come through his phone from Bianca

*All set...have fun*

Brax's head shut up at the nearing footsteps. A grin placed itself on his face as studied her in awe

"You like" Charlie smiled noticing the way he was looking at her

"I love" his dimples remained on display as he walked over to her "We definitely will have to waste some time when we get back"

Charlie laughed before giving him a quick kiss. She latched onto his hand and pulled him along with her

"Come on I'm hungry"

...

"Charlie can we just make a quick detour at Angelo's, I just remembered there's some thing I have to do. Promise it won't take long" Brax kept his voice casual not wanting to give anything away

"Yea sure as long as you promise to feed me after"

Brax chuckled

"I promise"

...

Turing off the ignition Brax stepped out of the car before moving to Charlie's side and opening the door for her. Charlie looked up at him questionably

"I thought you said it wouldn't take long"

"It won't"

"So why do I need to come up"

"Because whether its five minutes or five hours I would feel better if you weren't sat in the car at this time of the evening by yourself" Brax outstretched his hand laughing lightly as she rolled her eyes before taking hold of them.

He kept his hands entwined in hers as they made their way from the car park to the surf club. Removing his hand from hers he dug out his keys and opened up. He waited till she stepped in before walking behind her up the steps. He smiled as she climbed the steps oblivious to what she would find on entering.

"Brax I..." He watched as she reached the top of the steps before she stood still on the spot her words coming to an halt. His dimples were displayed as he peered on at her gazing into the restaurant that Bianca and Heath had set up on his request. He smiled thankful that they had been able to make it look the way he had wanted.

Charlie stood in awe at the scene in front of her. The place known as Brax's restaurant now had only one beautifully set single table placed in the centre of it with a single rose petal lay in the middle and a few candles scattered on the bar allowing a calm sense of light to glow in the restaurant. She moved her gaze from the scene before her as she turned back to Brax

"You didn't forget anything did you?" her smile spread across her face

Brax shook his head "Na just needed an excuse to get you up here"

"Brax it's beautiful" Charlie glanced back at the scene before looking back up at Brax. She placed her hand on his chest before edging onto her toes and embedding her lips on his. His hand wound around her waist holding her close as the kiss deepened. Her hand soon found its way to the back of his head as their tongues crashed together. Finally feeling the need for air they both pulled away a grin stationed firmly on both their faces.

Brax found her hand and gently tugged her towards the table. Pulling her chair out for her she grinned past him before taking a seat

"I can't believe you went through all this trouble"

Brax shook his head "It wasn't trouble plus I had some help"

Charlie raised her eyebrow "Who was it?"

Brax teasingly tapped his finger against his nose "That's confidential information" he winked at her before grabbing the bottle of wine in the middle of the table

"Wine?" he questioned

"Yes please" replied Charlie

Pouring her wine he placed the glass cup in front of her before standing

"Where you going?" Charlie peered over at him

"To check on the food that my little helper placed in the oven... it should be about done now"

As he walked into the kitchen Charlie couldn't help but take an admiring look at what he had done. She had never seen anything so beautiful. Not thinking it was possible she felt the grin on her face widen as he came out of the kitchen food in hand. As he placed her dish in front of her, her eyes remained placed on him.

Brax narrowed his eyes questionably "What?"

Charlie shook her head "I just love you that's all"

Brax felt his jaw sting as his smile engulfed his face at her words

"I love you too"

...

"Babe that was really nice" Charlie placed the last of her food in her mouth before dropping her fork

"Glad you liked it" he smiled as he leaned forward and stole a quick kiss before picking up her plate

"Brax you don't have to do that" Charlie went to take the plate from his hand

"I want to... plus you haven't had dessert yet"

...

Charlie leaned back as she polished off the last off her desert

"Babe I am officially to stuffed to eat anything else" sighed Charlie

"I should hope so" Brax chuckled

"Oi" Charlie pouted over at him before breaking into a light smile "Thank you for tonight Brax it has been amazing"

"I'm glad" smiled Brax

Charlie's eyes wondered around the restaurant before she asked him "Brax what does Vasi mean?" she returned her gaze to him as she referred to the name of the restaurant

"It means guardian" Brax smiled at her knowing she would ask why he had chosen to make that the as the name of the restaurant

"Why guardian... or did you just like the sound of it" teased Charlie

Brax shook his head with a small smile "I was actually thinking of Ross and Elise when I named this place" he watched the teasing expression on her face change to surprise

"They're the reason I was able to set up this place, they're the reason me, Casey and Heath have the life's we do now" Brax sighed lightly "Regardless of whatever anger I may have felt when they left it didn't change the fact that they had given me a lot of guidance"

Charlie felt her eye's glaze over at his words

"Only you can make a girl tear up on a date" Chuckled Charlie as she placed her hand on his

"It's all part of the plan" grinned Brax "Show you my soft side, make you feel moved by my words then take advantage of you" his grin still placed

"Well it s defiantly working" she returned the grin. Her grin faded slightly as she saw the look on his face change

"What's wrong?" she asked her hand still placed in his

He shook his head "Nothing but I-I wanted to give you something" It had sat in his drawer for over ten years and but now fate was allowing him give it to its rightful owner

Charlie watched as he pushed his hand into his pocket only to bring it out with a small object in hand. She peered down at the black velvet box that lay in his palm before looking up at him.

"I err...I've had it for over ten years" Brax kept his gaze on her

Charlie narrowed her face in confusion as Brax placed the gift in her hand. She looked down at it before looking back up at him

"Open it" Brax ignored the confusion on her face waiting anxiously for her to peer into what lay in the box

Charlie stared at him wondering what was going on? She gave him an unsure look before looking down at the box that now lay in her hand. Placing her right hand on top of it, she pried the box open. At the sight of it she looked up at him before looking back down at the sterling silver round cut ring that sat before her

"It's a promise ring... I was going to give it to you that night on the beach but I never got the chance" Brax peered at her waiting for her to say something but her gaze remained on the ring before her

As he spoke Charlie felt the tear she had just gotten rid of make their way back to the surface as she realised what night he was referring to. She could not believe what he was saying. She glared down at the ring a moment longer before looking up at him

"You kept this all this while" she asked in disbelief. She had hurt him when she left, what reason would he have had for keeping it

Brax nodded "Yea I tried to get rid of it so many times but I could never go through with it"

"Why" Charlie wiped her eyes stopping her tears from falling onto her cheeks

"Honestly... I guess there was a small part of me that still believed you would come back on day. Looks like it was worth holding on to"

Charlie tilted her head to the side as she tried to fight back her tears; she looked down at the ring before looking back up at him "I really do love you. You know that?"

Brax grinned widely at her words "Good because I kind of love you too" Stepping onto his feet Brax pulled her up gently before taking the ring out of the box.

"In a way it's a good thing I'm only just giving this to you now because..." he paused as he placed the ring on her finger

"Now I not only promise to always love you as best I can but I also promise to do my best to always keep a smile on your face but most of all I promise to never let any harm come your way and to protect you with everything that I have" Brax's eyes pierce through her as he spoke. He smiled as she peered at him with that look that never ceased to quicken the beat of his heart

She smiled as he slid the ring on her finger, her eyes never leaving his as he spoke his words. She pursued her lips together trying to hold onto the tears that wanted to fall. She kept her gaze on him as his words came to an end.

She couldn't help as her tears broke her barrier and slid down her cheeks. Her grin had yet to falter from her face; she couldn't believe how far they had now come. She leaned into his touch as he stroked his thumb softly against her cheek taking her tears with it

"I hope those are happy tears" he grinned over at her

She nodded her head "Definitely happy tears" she looked down at the ring again "it's beautiful Brax"

"Glad you like it"

Charlie's expression turned mischievously as she wrapped her arms around his waist pulling herself into him

"You know you could always take advantage of me now... I'm feeling very moved" she sent him a wink as she slowly closed the distance between them

Not thinking it was possible Brax found his grin widen further across his face

"That is a great idea" Not being able to wait any longer he closed the rest of the distance between them pressing his lips against hers

Placing his hand on her cheek Brax held her to him as the kiss quickly deepened. As she edged her mouth open further his tongue found its way in only to be met by hers. He grinned into the kiss as her hand moved from his waist to his chest.

Unfortunately His grin quickly faltered as he became aware of the presence that had joined them unknowingly.

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comment guys hope you enjoy the next chapter (DO NOT SKIP TO THE END)

CHAPTER FORTY THREE

Unfortunately His grin quickly faltered as he became aware of the presence that had joined them unknowingly

...

Brax's gaze flew in the direction the voice had come from and instantly he felt his stomach drop. His glare moved from the disgusting smile on his face till it landed on the object placed firmly in his hand

Charlie pulled away from the kiss at the sound of the all too familiar voice. Her head snapped up in the direction of the entrance. She had hoped her mind was playing tricks on her but as he stood grinning sickly at the both of them she felt a gush of breath leave her lungs as her chest tightened against them. She felt her legs almost buckle at the sight of the stall object he had pointing in their direction

Grant stood for a moment peering at the happy couple he let himself relish in the thought of what he was about to do before making his presence known

"Isn't this nice" he couldn't help the grin on his face as both their heads spun up in his direction. He delighted in the shock and horror expressed on their faces "Any one would think you guys weren't happy to see me"

As Grant spoke Charlie felt herself being jolted backwards slightly as Brax pulled her back and stood before her creating a barrier between her and Grant

"Forever the knight and shining armour, aren't we Braxton" Joked Grant as he tapped on the gun in his hand "Do you know how hard it has been dreaming of this moment but having to hold off till just the right time" he titled his head trying to get a view of Charlie but Brax quickly blocked her out of sight

...

"You best be taking some pointers from Brax" Bianca looked up at Heath as they walked into the house

Heaths eyebrow rose in confusion and Bianca shook her head

"The little romantic dinner he planned for Charlie... I hope I have plenty of that and other things coming my way in the future"

Grinning Heath spun her around pulling her close

"Romantic I'm not too sure about but other things I can definitely do" he winked at her displaying his famous grin

Bianca scoffed as she rolled her eyes at him "I think I married the wrong Braxton"

She turned in his arms and smiled as she heard Abi laughing as Ruby bounced her in her lap

Casey's head shot up as he heard what Bianca had said

"You only just realising that now Bianca" he grinned over at Heath dodging in time as Heath picked up a cushion and throw it in his direction

"Shut up" Heath placed a kiss on Bianca's temple before walking over to his daughter

"You love daddy don't you" he grinned as Abi stretched her hands out to him

"Such a daddy's girl" Bianca sat on the couch only to have Reece jump onto her lap

"You're just jealous" replied Heath as he tickled Abi causing her to giggle as she wriggled around in his lap

"I missed you mummy" Bianca smiled down at Reece as she placed a kiss on his forehead

"I missed you to buddy"

Heath chuckled as he shook his head playfully at her "Such a mummy's boy"

"Well your just jealous" Bianca poked her tongue out at Heath as Reece nestled himself into her chest

Looking around Bianca frowned her face

"Where's April?"

Ruby instantly rolled her eyes as she turned to Bianca

"Well she's dumped me for Dex a while ago... she should be back soon"

Bianca and Heath chuckled

"Right I'm sure you and Casey being here all alone must have been really painful for you" Heath teased her and his laughter only increasing as blood rushed to her cheeks

"We were just looking after the kids" Casey quickly spoke as he noticed the redness of Ruby's face

"Right so I'm guessing the lip gloss you've got on must be Abi's" Heaths laughter only got louder as Casey brought his hand to his lips and tried to wipe away the evidence. Bianca nudged him but couldn't help her own laughter

"Heath leave them alone" Bianca pursed her lips together as she tried not to laugh at the expression on both Ruby and Casey's face

"Guys ignore him he's just messing, plus if he carries on he'll be going to bed pretty dry" Casey and Ruby screwed their faces in disgust as they picked up on what Bianca was referring to

"That's just not fair" protested Heath as he attempted to pout at Bianca

"Then leave them alone or..." Bianca stopped as Casey interrupted her

"Please don't repeat that ok, we get it" Casey groaned in disgust as he got up and walked into the kitchen Ruby following closely behind him

...

Ruby placed the piece of cake into the plate before reaching for a fork. She let out a breath of delight as she took a bite. She watched as Casey reached for her fork before stepping back slightly

"Na uh this is mine get your own"

"Rubes there is no way you can eat all that by yourself" Casey examined the large slice of chocolate cake that sat on the plate. Remembering how big her appetite was he sighed "Actually yes you could but I would rather you share some with me" Casey took a step forward but Ruby backed up round the centre table as she shook her head

"Na uh sorry no can do" she smirked up at him as she dug her fork into the cake and put another piece into her mouth. Her eyes widened slightly as Casey took another step towards her, she could sense what he wanted to do

"Case no there's some more in the fridge"

Casey shook his head playfully "Na I want some of that one" he nodded his head towards her cake as he continued walking slowly towards her

Ruby shook her head as a smile broke out on her face, she stepped back away from him as she continued placing pieces of the cake in her mouth. Before she could register it he had picked up pace towards her. She squealed as she tried to run round the table

"Casey no" she giggled as she ran with a firm grip on the plate in her hand

Casey's hands soon found her as he pulled her into him. He grinned as she tried to shield the cake from him

"Just a bite and I'll let you go"

Ruby shrugged her shoulders "Don't let me go then"

Casey's grin only widened at her comment "You would like that wouldn't you"

"Not as much as you would" Ruby's grin matched his as she peered up at him. Her grin remained placed as she dug her fork into the cake and put another piece into her mouth

"You know that's not fair" Casey pouted down at her

"You're right... here" Ruby picked up a broken piece and brought it to his mouth. Casey expectantly opened his mouth only to have Ruby smudge it on his face

"Oh sorry I missed" her laughter filled the kitchen as she tried to unsuccessfully wriggle out of his grip

"Fine if that's how you want to play it"

Casey quickly ran his finger over the icing in the cake. Ruby's eyes widened as she shook her head

"Casey no... I'm sorry" she tried to settle her laughter

"Nope not going to work" Casey smirked as he wiped the icing on her nose. He chuckled as her wriggling around trying to avoid it caused the icing the smudge down her face. He quickly stepped away from her knowing she would want to get her own back

"You are so going to pay" Ruby dropped the fork and dug her finger into the icing

"Only if you can catch me" Casey gave her a cheeky wink as he paced to the other side of the table

...

Heath and Bianca smiled as they heard Ruby giggling and Casey laughing

"I swear those two remind me so much of Charlie and Brax when we were in school" spoke Bianca as she now sat cuddled into Heath

"Yh just minus all the drama"

"Yh minus that"

Bianca sat pondering it for a while before speaking "Err do you think they are... you know?" Bianca raised her eyebrow suggestively

"What?" asked Heath

"You know... having..." Bianca trailed off hoping he would pick up on what she was saying

"Having sex?" Heath chuckled "You do know you're allowed to say that word"

Bianca hit him on the chest as she rolled her eyes "Not so loud I don't want Reece asking any uncomfortable questions" she looked briefly over at her son who sat playing contently at the end of the living room

"Be serious... what if they're already..." Bianca once again trailed off

Heath shrugged "I don't know... Maybe" Heath turned his attention to the TV screen

"Maybe" Bianca voice came in a harsh whisper "Do you think Charlie or Brax have talked to them about this"

Heath knew exactly where this was going "Well if they haven't I'm sure they will at some point" his gaze remained on the TV screen

"Babe you do know you're going to have to have this talk with Reece and Abi one day" Bianca chuckled as Heath finally removed his gaze from the TV screen and looked over at her

"No way... Reece maybe, Abi never... she is never going to know about any of that. She going to be innocent and she will hate anything boy related"

Bianca shook her head at him as she grinned up at him "you keep telling yourself that" she leaned up and pecked his cheeks. Her head turned as Ruby and Casey walked into the living room wiping the last bits of chocolate from their faces

"You know you're supposed to eat the cake right" Bianca looked over at them smiling

"It was Casey... he started it" Ruby nudged him lightly as she quickly moved from his side and took a seat on the couch

Casey shook his head with a grin as he slumped down beside her "It was all her trust me" he grinned as he pulled her into him as they too turned their gaze towards the TV

Bianca leaned back into Heath and whispered "So much like Brax and Charlie"

...

"Babe I think I left my phone at the restaurant" Heath sighed as he walked down the stairs

Bianca turned to face him "You can get it tomorrow Heath"

"Na I'll just nip over quickly and get it"

"Heath they're on a date... you can't just go interrupting them"

"Babe I'll be in and out in five seconds they wouldn't even know I was there" Heath picked up the keys from the kitchen counter

Bianca scoffed "I highly doubt that. The sound of your enormous feet approaching will be a dead giveaway"

"Yeah well you know that's not the only thing enormous about me" Heath gave her a wink

"Heath" Bianca shrieked as she looked over at the disgusted faces of April, Ruby and Casey as they looked up at Heath. She bit her lip as she tried to hid her amusement

"What it's the truth" he grinned as Bianca shook her head at him

"Keep those sort of things to yourself please" April and Ruby looked away in disgust

Casey shook his head as he stood up "Actually I'll come with you. Could we pass by the house on your way back... I need to get something"

"Sure" Heath placed a kiss on Bianca's cheek "Won't be long" And with that he and Casey left the house

...

Charlie clung onto the back of Brax shirt as he stood tall before her. She cringed at the sound of Grants voice, her heart jumping into her mouth as his fingers tapped on the gun

"Move" she heard Grant harsh voice fill the air before Brax shook his head fiercely

"Not a chance in hell" Brax stood glaring at Grant venomously

Grant shook his head mockingly "We had a good thing Brax, why spoil it over some chick"

"I'll kill you Grant" Brax gritted his teeth at him

Grant laughed spitefully at his words "I think what you mean is I'm going to kill you" he nodded at the gun "But being the nice person that I am I'll make a deal. Give me Charlie and you can go"

"Over my dead body" spat Brax

Grant grinned before his face turned sour "That can be arranged" he unhooked the safety of the gun only to stop as his finger reached the trigger

"Don't" Charlie's voice echoed through the restaurant "Please don't"

Grant grinned at her words "I can hear you but I can't see you"

Charlie slowly tried to edge past Brax but he stepped with her as he shook his head vigorously "Charlie no"

Charlie rested her head on the back of his neck "I really do love you so so much" her tears hitting against the back of his shirt

"Then don't do this... I won't let you" his voice broke as he pleaded with her but his gaze never left Grant

"I have to"

"NO...no you don't" Brax remained placed in front of her

"As much as I'm enjoying this show guys I really don't have time to waste" Grant sneered

"Grant you can just walk away ok" Brax refused to let Charlie move past him

"Sorry no can do... you know me Brax I'm not one to leave a job half way through. It's just not in my nature... so give me Charlie or..." he lifted the gun higher a little so it was pointing at Brax's forehead "I just go right through you" he tilted his head almost in the manner of a twitch

Charlie's eyes widened at where Grant now had the gun pointing. She shook her head fiercely as she felt her chest begin to crush her lungs

"Brax please" she pleaded with him afraid of what Grant may do if he didn't get what he wanted

Brax refused to heed to what she was requesting. Running out of ways to get both him and Charlie out of this situation alive he tried a different approach

"I don't get it" his peering eye still on Grant

Grant sighed in annoyance but played along "Get what Braxton"

"You I don't get you... we were supposed to be friends"

Grant chuckled at Brax's words

"Friends... aww you make me blush Brax"

Clenching his jaw Brax ignored the mocking tone in Grant voice and continued

"Why do this... what did she ever do to you? Grant if you ever considered us friends you will just leave" Brax's heavy breathing filled the air along with Charlie's mumbled tears. He watched as Grant glared at the both of them; it almost seemed like he was thinking about what Brax had said but just as Brax was to start hoping he had gotten through to him that same sickly smirk covered his face like a plague. Brax felt something in him crumble as he realised there was no getting out of this.

"It's a good thing I never really considered us friends then... isn't it" Grant let out a chorus of his venomous laughter before he tilted his head to the right trying to see more of Charlie

"So you coming out or am I going to have to go over his dead body to get to you"

Brax's jaw clenched further together as his gist wrapped tighter together. He edged to the side blocking Grant's view and went to lung forward but as if already anticipating his move Charlie latched fiercely onto the back of his shirt as she whispered

"No... Please" her gaze moved back to Grant as he spoke

"Tut tut tut... Why would you try and do that. I thought we were really beginning to understand each other" Grant shook his head mockingly "Right I really do have places to be so what's it going to be?" His expression blank as her glared at Brax

"Over my dead body" repeated Brax

"So be it" Grant sneered at him at he slowly lowered the gun till it was pointing at Brax's chest

Charlie watched the interaction in fear. As the gun lowered slightly she knew what Grant was about to do; it wasn't something she was prepared to let happen. Before she could register what she was about to do it was done

"I'm so sorry" Placing a kiss on the back of his neck; Charlie quickly stepped back and stepped past him before he had a chance to react. Brax jumped forward but stopped as Grant spoke

"Braxton move and I will pull the trigger" grant shifted the gun towards Charlie and placed his hand on the trigger causing Brax to freeze to the spot

"Grant please" Brax looked at him pleadingly it was all he could think to do in that moment. His eyes pricked painfully with tears at the thought of what Grant was about to do

"You said you would let him go" spoke Charlie her whole body trembled as she stood before him. She knew it was a long shot but she hoped he would spare Brax's life

Grant sighed before a grin spread across his face "And I will, but first things first"

"I swear if you hurt her... I will make you regret life itself" Brax snared at Grant. He felt his heart stop in his chest as Grant smirked at him before looking back at Charlie

Charlie knew what was coming; she watched on almost in slow motion as his finger teasingly pressed on the trigger. She closed her eyes tightly and images of Ruby came rushing through her mind. Even as her eyes were closed her tears ran aggressively from them. She fixated on her daughter's smile and her beautiful eyes one she would never get to see again. She could hear Brax's voice behind her but she blocked out his words as she thought back to the moments before Grant had arrived. Her hand stopped on the ring he had not long ago placed on her finger. She stroked her finger over it as if wanting to imbed an image of it in her mind. And in that moment she felt gravity stop and time stand still as the trigger sounded and echoed out loud

*BANG*

[RoRo90]

Thanks to JarliefanEver, Freakie42, Spotd1, soph1303, Dingo x and Danni02 for the comments and to those of you who read. Here's the next instalment

She closed her eyes tightly as the trigger sounded and echoed out loud

*BANG*

...

Casey jumped out of the car behind Heath

"Where you going I'm only going to be in there for a minute" Heath looked over at Casey as they walked towards the surf club

"Please all Brax ever does is tease me about Ruby I need some visual images to use to my own advantage later"

"You want to see your brother and your girlfriend's mum getting it on" Heath raised his eyebrows

"Funny Heath... You know what I mean" Casey face instantly creased

Heath chuckled "But you do know he's right... you are so whipped I swear I've seen school girls compose themselves better than you do when you're with Ruby"

"Shut up Heath" Casey punched him lightly as they walked up to the surf club

"Shouldn't we call him to come open the doors" asked Casey

Heath stretched out his hand for Casey's phone as they reached the doors only to find it edged open

"Of course he didnt't look the doors" Heath rolled his eyes as they walked into the surf club.

Only haven taken a few steps Casey and Heath both froze as they heard Brax's voice. Their throats dried up at the venom in his voice and the words they had just heard him speak

"I swear if you hurt her... I will make you regret life itself"

Before either of the two could register what they had heard their stomachs dropped at the next sound that invaded the whole place

*BANG*

"H-Heath was that- did... that wasn't a Gunshot right?" Casey felt his whole body go ridged

Heath pounced towards the stairs before quickly turning back to find Casey right behind him

"No" he shook his head stay here and call the cops and an ambulance"

Casey shook his head

"I'm not letting you go up there by yourself"

"Case I'm not asking you I'm telling you now call the ambulance" before he had even finished his words Heath had turned but this time he slowed his steps knowing that alarming Grant of his presence would be the wrong thing to do

Casey knew this wasn't the time to argue keeping his voice low he dialled the ambulance his gaze never leaving the stairs as Heath paced them slowly.

Heath could feel his heart slamming against his chest. He knew what both he had Casey had heard but he prayed that neither Brax nor Charlie had been on the receiving end of the gun shot. His eyes blazed with panic and anger as he heard Charlie call out Brax's name. He felt his stomach churn as he slowly crept up the steps not even thinking over what he would do once he reached the top. He fought against his flinching fist as Grants voice could be heard. Never had he felt a feeling like the one he was feeling now. Reaching the top he peered through the glass frame to see Charlie crouched down beside Brax's seemingly lifeless body. The blood stained floor below his brother was enough to push him over the edge.

He caught Charlie's eye briefly but was grateful when she ignored his presence. His venomous glare landed on Grant who had his back turned to him. Almost as if he had been possessed Heath lunched forward ready to kill Grant.

...

Charlie wasn't sure what had happened she waited for the feel of the bullet to pierce through her body but nothing came. Her eyes opened only for them to widen as she realised Brax was no longer behind her. She felt her heart beat come to a standstill as she realised what Brax had done. Her chest tightened against her chest as he staggered back slightly.

"Brax" her voice lower than a whisper as it trembled with fear "B-Brax" she called him waiting for him to turn around and tell her he was ok. Everything seemed to come to a standstill as his legs crumbled and he tumbled to the ground.

"BRAX" she wasn't sure when she had moved but she found herself by his side. She dropped down to him as she pulled him roughly towards her. The gasp that escaped her mouth echoed through the restaurant as she glared on at the blood that was now seeping through him. Her head shook with aggression

"No Brax, Brax please no" her hand was now placed on his wound as she sat beneath him "Brax please" her sobs roared the air as she clenched onto him. Her gaze widened as he managed to open his eyes

"Why did you do that... why would you do that?" she scolded Brax as she kept her hand still firmly placed on his wound

Brax used the little strength he could find to kept his eyes open as he spoke "B-Because y-you're it" he couldn't fight the weakening of his body anymore. His eyes began to close

Charlie shook him "No Brax no keep your eyes open... you can't leave me" her head snapped up as she reregistered his presence and at that she saw something else but she refused to acknowledge it not wanting ot give Grant the upper hand

"I'm sorry but this is even better than what I had planned" Grant's frown turned into a grin as he glared at the both of them "It really is like watching a movie... but we're missing an ending" he repositioned the gun so it was facing Charlie "Hy I'm doing you a favour this way you can both be together" Giving her a salute he was to engrossed in his own sick game to notice the presence that had now crept up behind him.

...

Grant felt himself crash to the ground unexpectedly. Trying to struggle out of the grasp he was now in he was turned around only to come face to face with Heath. A grin was making its way to his face but it was stopped by Heaths fist pounding into it. Struggling below Heath he managed to bring his own fist up slamming it against Heaths face but it didn't help him much. Heath growled as his fits pounded harder into Grant

Charlie's eyes widened as she watched on paniced, it was then her gaze fell on the gun that had flown out of Grants hand. She hadn't registered what she was doing, the only time she had felt like this was the night Gant had raped her. She gently placed Brax head down before shuffling with speed towards the gun. Picking it up she grasped it firmly in her hand and stood up as she pointed it in the direction Heath and Grant were fighting. She panicked the more as it seemed Grant was now starting to gain advantage over Heath. She held the gun firmly moving it from side to side as Heath and Grant sprawled on the floor. Her eyes widened as Grant sent a blow to Heaths head gaining advantage as he now crouched over him.

Charlie had barely registered holding the gun and before she knew it the trigger had sounded. She watched as his fist stopped mid air, he looked up at her briefly but with a look she had never seen from him before. She watched almost as if in slow motion as he fell to the side hitting the floor with a thud. She remained frozen with the gun still pointing in Grants direction as he now lay lifeless.

...

Heath felt his body jump at the unexpected sound of the trigger. Looking up he watched as Grants fist stopped and he slowly hit the ground. His head dashed up to where the gun had been fired only to find Charlie standing almost as if paralysed to the spot. He crawled to his feet and quickly made his way over to Charlie yet she remained unmoved as if not noticing his presence.

"Charlie" as he called her name her head snapped up her flowing tears now clearly visible to him.

Charlie stared up at him before looking back down at her hands. As if only just realising what she had done she urgently realised her grip causing the gun to drop from her hands before her hand flew to her mouth. She crumbled to the floor Heath not far behind her as he tried to catch her. Her gaze slowly moved from Grant to Brax

"Brax" her voice came in a whisper as she crawled over to him with Heath springing to Brax's side

She lifted his head onto her lap "Brax" she shook him lightly "Please wake up"

Heath's eyes stung as he finally took a good look at Brax's lifeless body "Hy bro" Heath tapped his face gently "Brax" his voice slightly louder as Brax refused to respond. Heath shook his head not wanting to accept the possibility of Brax being gone "Don't f**k about Brax" Heath nudged him roughly.

Both his as Charlie's gaze moved to the entrance as they heard crowed footsteps from the bottom of the steps

"Mr Bledcoe..." Heath rushed to his feet and sprinted to the entrance of the restaurant

"Will you guys get up here my brothers shot" he glared at the police men that crowed the bottom of the steps gawking at him obviously wondering where Grant was.

"What the hell are you all waiting for?" at that the paramedics rushed past and up the steps closely followed by a few officers and inspector Joyce.

Charlie had long ago returned her gaze to Brax "you said you weren't going anywhere... you promised"

Reaching the top Joyce stood in shock at Grants lifeless body before his gaze landed on Charlie as she cradled Brax lightly. The paramedics split as two dashed to Brax and one to Grant.

"Miss could you please step aside" one of the paramedic looked up at Charlie as they fussed over Brax. Charlie looked up still not moving

"He's ok right... he's going to be ok?"

"We honestly don't know but we need you to let us do our job" the paramedic looked at her sympathetically as Charlie gazed back down at Brax. He looked up as Heath held on to her arms and pulled her to her feet

"Charlie he's going to be ok" Heath peered down at Brax's unmoving form praying he would wake up from this

...

Casey watched as the paramedics rushed out of the surf club with Brax on the stretcher. His legs flung forward instantly

"Brax" the fear in his voice laced through the air "Brax" his voice raised as his brother refused to respond to him. He looked up at the paramedics

"He's going to be ok right?" they didn't give a verbal reply. Instead they both briefly gazed at him with a look of uncertainty before rushing towards the ambulance.

Casey turned looking for any sigh of Heath or Charlie. As he saw the paramedics push another stretcher out of the surf club he felt whatever he had eaten that day come rushing back up. He glared at the figure he could not see as it lay in a body bag. He stumbled back but quickly regained his balance as he recognised the two figures that moved slowly out of the entrance.

"Heath" he paced forward but stopped as he saw the police follow closely behind the two of them

"Brax he- is he ok? Shouldn't we be going with him?" Casey looked at the paramedics as they carefully loaded Brax into the back of the ambulace both Charlie and Heath. He could tell they were both shaken Charlie bearing it worse than Heath

Before Heath could reply Joyce spoke "Constable Buckton" he looked at her expectantly. Charlie nodded her head but her expression remained blank

"THIS IS RIDICULOUS" Barked Heath "Her boyfriend, my brother is fighting for his life I don't see why you can't do this later" Heath glared at Joyce as he clenched his jaw "If you had done your job properly we wouldn't be here" snared Heath

Joyce sighed knowing what Heath had said was true but also knowing he had to bring Charlie in "Mr Braxton the sooner we get this done the sooner she can be down at the hospital"

Casey looked on confused "Wait what's going on?"

"Case you go with Brax..." Charlie quickly interrupted Heath as she shook her head

"No you both go... he needs you both there... I need you both to be with him" Heath looked at Charlie before nodding

Casey now more confused than he had already been spoke again

"You're coming too... right?"

"Constable Buckton will have to follow us down to the station" said Joyce. Charlie looked over at Joyce before turning back to Casey

"I'll be there as soon as I can" and with that she moved out of Heaths grasp and followed Joyce towards the car

"Heath what's going on" Casey paced behind Heath as he took a glimpse back as Charlie entered the cop car

"Casey not now get in there ok. I'm following right behind" Heath pushed Casey into the ambulance as he ran towards his car. Getting into the car his feet immediately found the accelerator as he followed the ambulance to the hospital.

...

Heath and Casey sat in the corridor waiting for news on what was going on with Brax. In all that had been going on neither him nor Casey had thought to call home until reaching the hospital. However he had yet to fill Bianca in on everything that had happened

"Heath" Heath looked up to see Bianca and Ruby rushing through the entrance closely followed by April

Reaching Heath Bianca pulled him towards her as she wrapped her arms around him. Heath buried his head into the crock of her neck before pulling away.

"I told you not to come down here" said Heath

"You tell me there's been an incident with Charlie and Brax and you're at the hospital and you expect me not to come"

Heath sighed knowing she had a point

"Where are the kids?"

"I dropped them at Irene's... Heath what happened?"

Ruby stood in front of Casey her eyes raw red from crying

" Where's Charlie? Is she ok? Is Brax ok?" Ruby's panicked eyes pierced into Casey as she stood waiting for his response.

"Err... we err – Brax was shot" the girls gasped as their heads spun up

"He was what?" asked Bianca as she looked up at Heath

"Grant he turned up at the restaurant" said Heath

"G-Grant" repeated Ruby her voice catching in her throat "Grant shot Brax" her hands flew to her mouth as if only just registering what they had just said

"B-But he's going to be ok... right? They're going to save him?"

Casey pulled her into him "He's tough of course he's going to be fine" Casey glanced at heath as they both passed each other a fearful and uneasy look. The image of Brax slumped down lifeless on the stretcher was etched into both their heads.

Ruby pulled back as she realised they had yet to mention about Charlie

"Where's Charlie?" she looked up at Casey and by the look on his face she knew there was still more to come "Casey where's my mum?"

"At the station" replied Casey not wanting to be the one to tell her what else had happened that evening

Ruby stepped back as she looked at both Heath and Casey confused before she could say anything Bianca spoke up

"What's going on? Why would she have to go to the station... the only person they should be taking down there is Grant"

Heath shut his eyes briefly before he spoke

"Grants dead"

Totally ignoring what Heath had said Ruby spoke

"What's that got to do with Charlie being at the station?"

"Charlie shot him Rubes" answered Casey

Ruby looked up at him blankly

"Charlie shot Grant and he's dead" asked Bianca to which she got a nod from Heath

"He shot Brax, she most have done it in self defence right?" Bianca asked hoping that was what had happened

Heath sighed "Me and Grant were fighting when she shot him"

Ruby turned to face Heath

"Well then she shot him to protect you... she can't get in trouble for that" she waited for him to give her a reassuring answer

"Yeah of course" Heath walked towards her "She did what any other person would have done ok... they will see that"

"I have to go down there" Ruby went to turn but was stopped by Casey's hand gently latching onto her wrist

"Heath called Jack he's down there with her and as soon as they're done he's gonna bring her straight down here ok"

Ruby looked up at him unsure before nodding

"This isn't fair" cried Ruby. Casey pulled her into him as she buried her head into his chest letting her tears fall against his shirt. She had only spoken the words that everyone was thinking

...

Charlie had been sat for the best part of forty five minutes answering question after question. Her mind had been racing from Brax laying in a pool of his own blood emotionless to her finger pulling the trigger and Grants empty body being carried out in a body bag. She was thankful as the interview came to an end. She waited alone in the interview room hoping they would let her go soon. She lifted her gaze as Joyce walked into the room

"I'm sorry for the way all this turned out we..."

"Can I go now" Charlie glared at him uninterested by what he had to say

Joyce sighed "Constable unfortunately we will have to place you on suspension till..." once again Charlie cut him off

"I don't care I just want to go see Brax"

Joyce looked at her before nodding his head "Yes you are free to go"

Without delay Charlie stood to her feet walking past him she walked out the door only to be met by Jack who bounces off the chair as she came into view. He had rushed straight to the station after Heath had called him

"Charlie" he looked at her as he placed his hands on her arm "You ok?" He had been there for over thirty minutes waiting for them to let her go. He had asked time and time again what was going on and what was going to happen but knowing his relationship with both Charlie and Brax no one had given him any useful information.

"I just want to go to Brax"

Jack nodded "Ok"

...

Martha had now joined the guys at the hospital as they all waited for news on Brax. It had now gone just over an hour since Brax was taken into surgery and yet no one had been to tell them anything.

"Heath...Heath" his head and that of the rest snapped up as Charlie and Jack came rushing through the hospital doors

"Charlie" Ruby instantly ran into Charlie arms engrossing her arms around her as everyone else stood to their feet

"Hy" Charlie stroked Ruby's hair as she placed a kiss on her head

"Are you ok?" Ruby pulled back as she looked up at Charlie

Charlie nodded "I'm fine ok" she pulled Ruby back into her before looking up to met Heath's eye

"How's Brax?" Jack spoke as he peered at Heath but received no response. Taking in Heath's almost defeated expression Charlie quickly spoke up

"Where is he... he's ok right?" the blank expression on Heath's face nearly sucked the last breath she had within her. She glanced at the others who also hadn't offered her a reply to her question. She swallowed trying to stop the drought that was forming in her throat. Her eyes stung as they clouded over with fresh tears

"Heath" her voice broke as she looked up at him pleadingly "Please tell me he's ok" desperation laced through her voice

"I don't know Charlie...he's been in surgery for over an hour and we haven't heard anything" Heath broke her gaze trying to keep his calm but the thought of what could happen was beginning to get the better of him

"Charlie I'm sure he'll be just fine... if there was anything wrong someone would have come and informed us" Martha edged towards Charlie rubbing her arm as she tried to provide her some sort of comfort.

Charlie looked over at Martha and nodded her head unconvincingly. Her gaze fell and as if only just noticing her appearance she stepped back

"I err- I..." not finishing her words she hastened down the hall way

"Charlie..." Ruby called after her but Charlie kept walking until she disappeared into the toilets. As Ruby motioned to follow her Bianca held her hand out

"I'll go ok" Ruby looked over unsure but nodded as her gazed returned back to where her mother had gone

Martha pulled Ruby into an embrace "She's going to be ok"

...

Pushing the toilet doors opened slowly Bianca's gaze found Charlie as she stood in front of the mirror her hand deep in the sink as she scrubbed her hands together grimly

"Charlie" Bianca stepped forward slightly but Charlie kept scrubbing as she began to shake her head

"I need to get it off" she peered down at Brax's blood that was smothered all over her hands

Bianca looked on alarmed before walking to Charlie. She gently placed her hand into the sink as she tried to stop what Charlie was doing. But Charlie shrugged her back and her voice howled unexpectedly

"I NEED TO GET IT OFF"

Bianca couldn't help the tear that escaped her eye as she watched Charlie, broken was a word that couldn't be used to describe the person she was looking at

"Charlie it's all gone" Bianca pushed her hand into the sink again but this time she took both of Charlie's hands in a firm grip trying to stop their movement. Charlie struggled against her for a few second but soon her hands came to a standstill as she glared down at them

"Why would he get in the way, why would he do this? The bullet, it was meant for me... it was supposed to be me" as her words came to an end her whole body gave way as she crashed onto the ground

Bianca held her as she fell to the ground with her. Charlie's silent cried now roared angrily through the air as Bianca cradled her as her own tears fell from her eyes.

After Charlie's cries had finally calmed, a few moments of silence fell upon the both of them before Charlie spoke

"He promised he would never leave" her voice low almost gone unheard to Bianca

"He's strong Charlie... I know he'll be fighting as best he can to keep that promise"

"I can't lose him Bianca... I just can't"

Bianca sighed, her grip still placed around Charlie. She was unsure what to say; was she to say he would be ok knowing it may be false hope or was she supposed to say whatever happened she would get through it therefore taking the little hope she may have left. Deciding on neither, Bianca sat unspoken praying Brax would make it not only for Charlie's sake but also for Casey and Heath

...

Charlie walked out of the toilets with Bianca right behind her and as if on cue Sid was approaching Heath and the rest as they sat motionless. Charlie's pace increased as she hurried to hear what it was Sid had to say. Upon reaching him everyone had already stood from their seats. Sid examined the anxious faces that peered at him questionably.

"How is he?" Sid's gaze shuffled slightly to the side as Charlie came into view "He's ok right... he's going to be ok"

Sid sighed lightly before addressing all of them

"We were able to stop the bleeding however because of where the bullet had hit Brax lost a lot of blood and he err..."

"He what?" Heath glared at him

"He arrested during surgery"

Feeling faint at Sid's words Casey sat slowly onto the chair but his gaze never leaving Sid. Heath stood positioned as his throat dried and a long awaited tear fell from his eye.

Charlie let out a little whimper as she stumbled back her hands flying to her chest

Sid quickly continued as he saw their reactions "We were able to get his heart functioning again but he was out for a while"

Charlie along with everyone else let out a sigh of relief

"So he's ok now?" asked Casey

"We've stabilised him but due to the blood loss and the amount of time he had coded for it seem Brax is now in a coma"

"HOW DOES IT SEEM, HE'S EITHER IN A COMER OR NOT" Heath barked at Sid

Bianca edged towards Heath and placed her hand on his arm as she tried to calm him down before looking up at Sid apologetically

Sid remained unfazed he know hearing this would be hard for all of them

"He is in a coma... I really wish I could give you guys more but all we can do is wait and monitor any changes"

"Are we allowed to go see him" asked Casey as he once again stood to his feet

"Yeah I can take you to his room but only two at a time for now" Casey and Heath looked up at Charlie

She stood as her mind froze on his word 'Coma' she could see he was still talking but nothing was getting through as she stood in a cold daze

"Charlie... Mum" she broke out of her daze to see all eyes peering at her

"What?" she could see the worried expression on their faces

"Sid said two people can go in... you should go" she looked at Heath as he spoke and shook her head

"Err No... You and Case go he would want to see you guys. I'll see him after"

"Charlie..." Heath started to protest but she cut him off

"Heath please just go in there... please" she met his gaze pleading and he soon nodded before him and Casey followed Heath down the hall way.

"Charlie" Jack called after her as she turned and began walking away

"I just need some fresh air" not turning as she spoke she continued down the hall

...

*Should I run and hide from all the daggers I'm sure you guys are throwing my way*

[RoRo90]

Thank you to those who left a comment. I hope this chapter is ok for you guys

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

Walking into the room Heath and Casey stopped and glared at the sight before them. Looking at all the machines Casey took a deep breath as he desperately tried to not let his faith waver. Walking closer to Brax's bed side he lowered himself onto the chair on his left hand side watching to keep clear of all the machines that surrounded him.

Heath stood peering at the countless wires attached to his brother and the numerous machines that surrounded him. He felt his throat dry u as he examined Brax's still and pale face. His mind flashed back to the restaurant when Brax had been lying in his own blood. Heath clutched his fist together wishing he could see grant one more time if only to inflict pain on him. His head jolted up as Casey spoke

"He's going to wake up right?" Heath sighed at the almost pleading look in Casey's eyes. He lowered himself onto the seat on the right hand side of the bed

"He's going to be fine... No way would he miss out on lapping up the attention he's going to get from this" Heath and Casey smirked weakly as they looked on at Brax both hoping he would wake up

...

Ruby's peering eyes had been flicking between Brax's room and the exit. Jack looked up at her knowing not only was she worried about Brax but like everyone else she was worried about how Charlie was coping. They had decided to give her some space. But after fifteen minutes she had yet to return

"What if she isn't ok?" Ruby looked down at them as she referred to Charlie

"I might just go and check on her" spoke Bianca as she stood up but was stopped by Jack

"No you guys stay here with Rubes, I'll go" Giving them all a reassuring smile he made his way out of the hospital hoping Charlie hadn't wondered to far

...

Jack looked around and his gaze finally stopped as he caught sight of her sitting on the bench with her feet up against her chest. Sighing he walked over to her and before even reaching her side he could see she was in a worse state than when she had came out of the hospital. Charlie's eyes where now swallow and plum red and her tears had dried up against her cheeks.

Not saying a word Jack slowly sat down beside her but his presence went unacknowledged as her gazing eyes remained placed before her. Her tears had stopped as she sat almost in a trance looking out at nothing. Her mind had stopped dead and the only image that now played was of Brax on the restaurant floor as he lost consciousness before her. The pain and weakness in his eyes, the blood rushing out of him.

"Charlie" Jack called her softly but she refused to grace him with a response

"Charlie" this time he lifted his hand and placed it on her shoulder hoping the contact would break her out of her trance but it did nothing. He sighed now more worried than he had been before

"Charlie Brax needs you" even till this day it amazed Jack the effect both Charlie and Brax had on one another. At the mention of Brax's name an unexpected tear fell from her eyes but yet she didn't respond. Jack decided to work on the little reaction he had received

"What if he wakes up and you're not there" unsure why but the sudden sound of her voice startled him a little

"What if he doesn't wake up?" her head remained unturned

"You can't think like that Charlie. Brax is strong he'll make it through this" he paused waiting for a response but it seemed she had said all she wanted to say

...

Heath and Casey walked out of Brax's room unsure of how to feel. They wanted to believe he would be ok but the sight they had seen wasn't of the same strong person they knew. Bianca walked to Heath as Ruby did to Casey

"How is he?" Bianca looked up at Heath only to have him shrug

"I don't know" he sighed as Bianca pulled him towards her engulfing him in a hug. He quickly responded as he wrapped his arms around her needed the comfort she was providing

"He's going to be ok... I just know it" Ruby murmured into Casey's chest wanting to take away his worry

Pulling away from their embrace Heath scanned his surrounding before looking at the girls

"Where's Charlie and Jack?"

"Charlie's been outside since you and Casey went in to see Brax. Jacks gone to make sure she's ok" answered Ruby the worry in her voice not going unnoticed by Heath or Casey

Heath looked at Bianca but the expression on her face let him know that she too was worried about how Charlie was dealing. Heath sighed as he stepped back

"I'll go and see if he's found her" Heath placed a kiss on Bianca's forehead before walking towards the exit

...

Getting outside Heath scanned his surroundings looking to see if he could find either Jack or Charlie. Walking a little further on he caught sight of the both of them on a bench ahead of him. Walking over he stopped behind the bench as Charlie spoke

""What if he doesn't wake up?" her head remained unturned

"You can't think like that Charlie. Brax is strong he'll make it through this"

He waited to see if she would respond to Jack but she didn't. Deciding to make his presence known Heath spoke up

"Hy" Jack turned at his voice but Charlie simply sat in the same manner. Heath looked at Jack questionably but it seemed even he was as worried about Charlie as the others were

"I best get back inside" Heath smiled thankfully as Jack rose to his feet and walked back towards the hospital. He hovered behind her for a while before edging around the bench and taking a seat. Heath wasn't sure what shocked him the most the sight he had seen Brax in or the sight in which he was seeing Charlie in. Minus the wires and machines, to Heath Charlie looked just as lifeless as Brax. The only sign of life as he looked over at her was the slight movement of her rising chest. Heath had never been one for words and even in a situation like this he fell short of what to say.

Breaking the silence Charlie finally spoke "I should have just stayed away" Charlie's voice cracked as she spoke her words

"Stayed away?" asked Heath unsure of what she meant

"I should have stayed in the city. I shouldn't have come back here... coming back was a stupid thing to do" Charlie blinked several times keeping her tears from falling

Heath shook his head, he may not share the same relationship with Charlie as Brax did but he cared for her a great deal

"The only thing you shouldn't have done was leave in the first place... coming back was the right thing to do" before he had even finished Charlie was shaking her head in disagreement with what he had said

"All this... everything... it's my fault. I'm the reason he's..." Charlie paused as a lump formed in her throat

"Charlie none of this is on you"

"Yes it is" finally Charlie removed her gaze from before her as she turned her head and looked at Heath "It was meant for me" she jabbed her index finger against her chest "The bullet was meant for me Heath... ME"

"Char..."

"No. Why would he do that? What kind of person jumps in front of a bullet?" Charlie's blank glare was now filled with anger as she spoke " I should be the one lying in there ME OK ME NOT HIM" her eyes blinked continuously as she fought harder to fight her tears.

Heath sat taken aback at not only her words but her appearance. Now facing him, Heath took in Charlie's infirm and crumbling appearance as she glared at him. Anger was an emotion Heath was accustomed to and he knew too well that the anger she was expressing was only to cover up the fear she was feeling. Heath had already heard what had happened when Charlie was explaining to Joyce at the restaurant. An outsider would probably have called Brax crazy for jumping in front of the bullet but Heath; he expected nothing less

"For about two weeks after you left Brax used to go up to your house, I think he was hoping you would have changed your mind and come back. He spent a week more bugging Bianca and the girls asking them over and over if they knew where you had gone or may have gone. For those three weeks the only person he communicated to properly was Case. For about two weeks every time his phone rang he would almost leap forward to get it but most of the time he wouldn't even pick it up. I Soon realised he had hope that you might call him. Even after ten years it seems you are the only person that can truly make him happy" Heath sighed lightly as he continued looking at Charlie

"All of those reasons right there Charlie is why he did what he did" and unexpectedly to Heath Charlie burst into tears and placed her hand against her chest

"I need him Heath" her cries hit powerfully against the wind "I can't be without him"

Heath quickly shuffled against the bench as he pulled her into his chest. Charlie's feet remained clutched to her chest as she allowed herself be pulled into Heath her cries refusing to cease as the thought of losing Brax became too much to bear in silence

"He's not going anywhere... as much as you can't be without him he can't be without you" Heath spoke softly unsure if she had heard him over her cries.

...

Ruby's head shot up as she saw Heath and Charlie walking back into the hospital. Removing herself from Casey's embrace she stood to her feet and stopped in front of Charlie. Not saying a word she simply wrapped her arms around her mother hoping it would bring her some sort of comfort. Charlie instantly returned the gesture as she too wrapped her arms around Ruby.

Bianca looked over at Heath obviously wanting to know if Charlie was ok. Sensing what she was asking he gave her a nod as he sat beside her

"I err... I might go in and see him now" Charlie looked over at Heath and Casey who simply give her an encouraging smile.

"I'll show you which room he's in" spoke Heath as he stood to his feet

Charlie nodded and followed slowly behind. She felt her heart slamming against her chest as they walked further down the hall. As Heaths steps came to an end she slowed her walk as a nauseated feeling over came her

"Do you want me to come with you"? Asked Heath as he registered the look on her face

Charlie slowly shook her head "No it's ok... I really want to do this by myself"

Heath nodded before walking back down the hall

Remaining unmoved Charlie peered intensely at the door trying to prepare herself for whatever she was about to see. She exhaled lightly quickly wiping a stray tear away before stepping forward and pushing the door open. Slowly walking in she stopped not too far from the door as she caught sight of Brax. She let out a small whimper as she glared at the countless machines and wires that surrounded him. Her hand flew to her mouth as she tried to hold in her tears

"I'm so sorry" she spoke through her tears as she stepped towards him. She lifted her hand and gently stroked his hair before placing a kiss on his lips. Parted from him she continued stroking his hair as she peered down at his colourless face

"Please don't leave me" she whispered as she leaned her forehead against his "You Promised"

...

Charlie had been in Brax's room for over half an hour while the others sat in the hallway hardly a word said between them

"Babe" Bianca looked up at Heath and he stared down at her "I might just call Irene and see if the kids can stay there for the night"

Heath shook his head "No you should go home and rest all of you should" he looked around but was met by the shaking of both Ruby and Casey's heads

"No I want to stay here" said Casey

"Me too" added Ruby

"Guys we can't all spend the night in the hallway" spoke Jack "Heaths right you all need to go home and get some rest. There's not much you can do here"

"What about Charlie... I don't want to leave her here on her own" replied Ruby

Just as she spoke Charlie appeared down the hallway causing them all to stand to their feet.

"Hy" Martha stepped forward as she stared at the pale appearance of Charlie

Charlie sent a weak smile before turning to Heath

"I err... Could Ruby stay at your's tonight I don't want her in the house by herself"

"Charlie you can't stay here all night you need to rest" debated Bianca

"Mum Bianca's right" added Ruby as she hoped Charlie would listen to what they are saying

Charlie shook her head "I can't leave him by himself... just please just for tonight"

"Charlie he won't be alone I'm gonna be here"

Once again she shook her head "Guys please I just- I have to be here"

Everyone shared a nervous glance before looking back over at her

"Ok" replied Heath "Bianca you take Ruby and Casey home I'll see you in the morning"

Bianca nodded before giving him a quick kiss. She smiled faintly as she looked at Charlie before pulling her into a hug "You won't lose him" she whispered into Charlie's ears before pulling away.

Ruby walked over to Charlie

"I can stay too"

Charlie smiled faintly at her but shook her head "I would feel much better knowing you were at home getting some proper rest" Ruby nodded not wanting to argue with her request

"I love you mum" she spoke as she wrapped her arms around Charlie

"I love you too" Charlie placed a kiss on her head before they pulled away from their embrace

"Call me if you need anything" said Jack. Heath nodded before Jack turned to Charlie "And you too" she too nodded as Martha made her way over and also embraced her in a hug.

"If anything changes you best call us straightaway" demanded Casey as he looked at Heath

"I will mate... take care of these two for me" he nodded at Ruby and Bianca

Casey nodded before looking at Charlie and giving her a nod knowing she would understand what he was saying. She smiled at him before watching as they all walked out of the hospital. Turning on her heels she headed back towards Brax's room but stopped at the sound of Heaths voice

"Charlie you sure you want to stay here?" She looked more worn out than the rest of them

"I have to stay here" she replied before continuing towards his room

Heath sighed knowing if Brax didn't make it not only him and Casey but most of all it was going to break Charlie

...

Rubbing his hand over his eyes Heath squinted as he adjusted to the sun streaming through the window. He stretched before finally opening his eyes fully. He stopped somewhat shocked as he caught sight of Charlie sat in the same position she had been the night before. The redness of her eyes, the bags that lay beneath them and the dark circles around them was evident enough that she hadn't slept all night. He studied her for a moment as her gaze remained on Brax watching him with intensity.

Sighing he sat up and called her name

"Charlie" he waited for her to respond but she just sat oblivious to him calling her as she kept her gaze on Brax. Edging forward slightly on his seat Heath called her again but louder

"Charlie" her head snapped up as she finally registered his voice

"Hy" she replied before her peering eyes quickly settled back on Brax

"Charlie have you slept at all?" asked Heath

He watched as she pondered on her reply "A little"

Heath shook his head knowing she was lying. As he was about to speak again there was a knock on the door. Sid soon walked in giving Heath a light nod before looking over at Charlie who was looking up at him blankly.

"I'm just going to check for any changes... you guys can go get some breakfast at the cafe"

But Charlie simply shook her head "No I want to stay right here"

"Charlie its obvious you have hardly slept all night... why don't you go home and get some rest y..." Sid stopped as Charlie spoke over him

"I'm fine thank you Sid"

Sid sighed as he and Heath shared a quick glance before he started probing at the machines around Brax with Charlie closely watching.

...

It had been an hour since Sid had left saying Brax's condition was still the same as it was the night before. Heath walked out of the cafeteria only to be met by Casey and Ruby. He looked down at his watch and noticed it had only just gone half eight

"Did you guys even sleep?" he asked as they stopped in front of him

"As much as we could" answered Casey "How's he doing and Charlie?"

"No change" sighed Heath "Same for Charlie"

"Is she in his room?" asked Ruby wanting to see her

"She hasn't left since last night" replied Heath as he continued towards Brax's room with Casey and Ruby behind him

Walking in behind Heath Ruby's gaze stilled on Brax. She had pictured the state he would be in but what she had imaged hadn't come close to what see could now see. She slowly examined his still pale body before she finally caught sight of Charlie who had her hand placed in his. She felt her eyes glaze over at the worn out appearance of her mother. This time yesterday their world had been almost perfect and now everything had been taken without warning. Edging around the bed and over to Charlie Ruby frowned at Charlie as she finally looked up at her

"Hy" Charlie greeted both Ruby and Casey before looking back down at Brax

Ruby looked up at Heath with worried eyes unsure of what to do or say. It was obvious that Charlie was worn out and she needed rest

"Mum" Ruby called down to Charlie. Charlie reluctantly removed her gaze from Brax and looked up at Ruby

"Did you sleep ok at Bianca's?" asked Charlie

Ruby nodded "Did you sleep at all?" she asked

Charlie's gaze fell back on Brax as she gave Ruby the same reply she had given Heath

"A little"

"It doesn't look like it" spoke Heath as he finally placed the second cup of coffee he had been holding in front of Charlie

"Charlie he's right maybe you should go home and rest up" suggested Casey as he stood besides Heath

"No I'm fine. I'm right where I need to be" answered Charlie

All three of them sighed before Ruby spoke

"Ok how about we just go get some fresh air outside" she hoped Charlie wouldn't object to her suggestion but before Charlie could reply Heath spoke up sensing she was going to decline the offer

"Charlie you don't have to go far stand right outside the exit if you want but you need some fresh air and you need to get something to eat. Brax will kill me when he wakes up and see's the state you're in. So if not for you please do it for me" Heath gave a light smirk hoping his comment had made a difference

"Five minutes" she replied as she slowly knowing they wouldn't give up until she at least left the room for a little while

Ruby looked over at Heath mouthing 'Thank you' to him before she followed Charlie out of the room

...

After much persuasion Ruby had gotten Charlie to get something to eat at the cafeteria. Although she didn't eat much Ruby was grateful for the little she did eat. As they walked back into the hospital Charlie looked over at Ruby and seemed to only just realise how worried her daughter really was about her

"I'm ok you know" Charlie looked up at her daughter she knew her words possibly didn't reflect on her appearance

"No you're not" replied Ruby as she came to a standstill "You're not ok, Casey's not ok, Heath's not ok I'm not ok" Ruby let a tear fall from her eyes. Charlie sighed heavily as she realised this was affecting Ruby nearly as much as it was her. She gently wrapped her arms around d her daughter

"We'll be ok" she knew her words probably brought little comfort but they were the only words she could think to say

"I hope so" replied Ruby as she slowly pulled away from the hug only to see Bianca and Martha making their way into the hospital.

As Ruby smiled faintly at them Charlie turned around to see who her daughter was peering at. She noted the slightly shocked look on Bianca and Martha's face as they caught sight of her

"I can't possibly look that bad" spoke Charlie

Bianca and Martha sent her a light smile but it soon dropped as they noticed the changing expression on Charlie's face as she glared at the entrance behind them. Turning around Bianca and Martha caught sight of Ella as she walked slowly towards them with unmistakable regret in her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" the anger in Charlie's voice was clear for all to hear

Knowing this wouldn't end well Martha quickly stepped forward hoping she could get Ella to leave before Charlie said anything else

"Ella I don't think it's a good idea for you to be here"

"I heard what happened this morning. I just wanted to check that he was ok" Ella looked over at Charlie with pleading eyes. She could see how all this was taking a toll on her

Charlie stepped forward a little "Ok?... how could he be ok when that monster shot him" Charlie spat her words at her. "Leave" she pointed towards the door glaring at Ella as she felt her anger beginning to take over

"Charlie please I'm so..."

"Don't say it" the anger on Charlie's face grew as she took a few more steps forward "Don't say you're sorry. Don't come here trying to make yourself feel better" Although her voice hadn't risen significantly the anger in it was strong

"That's not what I'm doing" Ella shook her head pleadingly

"YES IT IS" Charlie bellowed causing a few heads to turn

"Charlie..." Bianca tried to calm her down but Charlie shrugged her off

"You helped him do this. Everyone pleaded with you not to help him but you refused. Now Brax is fighting for his life because of that scum and because of you" Charlie's words stung Ella hard as a tear fell from her eyes but Charlie refused to acknowledge the pain her words were causing

"Grant wanted to hurt me and congratulations you helped him succeed... Now leave"

"I didn't mean for any of this to happen" Ella spoke through her tears but her words only seemed to aggravate Charlie the more as she stepped forward now stood inches away from her

"I SAID LEAVE"

Ella jumped back slightly as she wiped her tears away

"Charlie calm down" Heath had joined them and was now stood besides Charlie. He knew as much as the others seeing Ella wasn't doing Charlie any good

"Just go" he looked at her. He couldn't deny he didn't know how to address her knowing if she had listened instead of defending Grant Brax would most probably not be lay in a hospital bed fighting for his life

"Heath please just..." Heath cut her off

"We don't need this right now Ella just leave"

Ella nodded not wanting to cause any more trouble

"I am sorry I really am" wiping another tear away Ella turned and walked out of the hospital hoping Brax would be ok

...

"You ok" Heath looked at Charlie the anger from her face had disappeared and was now filled with sorrow. He looked on with a frown as a tear rolled down her cheek

"No I'm not ok and until he wakes up I won't be"

As Charlie spoke her words, the next few seconds seemed to happen in slow motion. Charlie's head along with the rests darted up as a loud beeping noise filled the hallway and Casey came running out of Brax's room

"Someone help I don't know what happened" Casey screamed through the hospital as various nurses along with Sid rushed past him and into Brax's room

Charlie hadn't registered her legs moving but she soon found herself forcing her way into Bra'sx room

"Oh my God" she peered on in fear as all the machines around Brax beeped uncontrollably

Everyone else stood by the door panicked by what was going on

"Doc what's going on" Heath stared on in shock

"He's having a seizure" Sid rushed around with the rest of the nurses

"Please tell me he's going to be ok" Charlie spoke through her tears

"Guys I really need you all to leave and let me do my job. I promise I will do everything I can"

Heath pulled Charlie as she struggled in his arms

"No I can't leave him like this" cried Charlie as she tried to release herself from Heaths grip

"We have to let them try and save him" and with that Heath pulled her out the door.

Charlie instantly broke down in his arms her sobs loud enough for all to hear. Ruby stood in Casey's embrace with her hand over her mouth as their tears fell from her face. Bianca and Martha stood with their own silent tears. Each and every one of them hoping and praying this wasn't the end for Brax

[RoRo90]

Thank you guys for the comments they mean a lot. Enjoy

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

"We have to let them try and save him" and with that Heath pulled her out the door.

Charlie instantly broke down in his arms her sobs loud enough for all to hear. Ruby stood in Casey's embrace with her hand over her mouth as their tears fell from her face. Bianca and Martha stood with their own silent tears. Each and every one of them hoping and praying this wasn't the end for Brax

...

It had been about fifteen minutes since Sid and the other nurses rushed into Brax's room and yet no one had come out to tell them anything. Jack rushed into the hospital straight into Martha's arms. He looked up at Charlie who stood peering at the close of window of Brax's room with Ruby, Casey and Heath stood beside her.

"I left as soon as I could" he released Martha form his grip and walked to Heaths looked up with a blank and fearful expression before looking back at the blinds that kept them out of view of what was going on in the room

Moving from Heath he walked over to Charlie's side. Not saying a word he placed his hand on top of hers giving it a tight squeeze; he knew words wouldn't do much in calming her in that moment.

Charlie looked up at him as a tear fell from her face. She nodded ever so lightly thanking him in her own way before returning back to the waiting game

Jack closed his eyes hoping this wouldn't end with them having to say goodbye to Brax. He had yet to show much of how he was feeling not even to Martha. But Jack couldn't believe how much he feared the thought of losing his best friend. He had spent the day sat idle at work with all the memories they had shared together since they were at school. Brax had been there for him even in the hardest of times no matter how stupid or serious the situation he never stressed because he knew he could always count on Brax. Now a guy he thought had been his friend for over ten years might have just taken away the most important friendship in his life. Jack sighed praying Brax would keep fighting

They all stood for another five minutes no one saying a word. As the door opened slowly each of them jolted forward praying that Brax was still fighting. Sid walked out and was immediately bombarded with questions

"Doc how is he?" asked Heath

"What's going on?" added Casey

"He's ok right... he's not..." Charlie paused unable to finish her sentence

"He's ok Charlie... He actually is now more responsive than he was before" Sid spoke but all the faces before him frowned in confusion

"So why did he? I mean..." Charlie wanted to understand what had happened

"Brax's seizure was actually a result of activity appearing in parts of Brax's brain. Since he fell into this coma Brax brain had shown very basic and minimal activity. The seizure was caused by increased activity in his brain that till now was inactive"

"Wait so he is getting better... he's going to wake up" asked Heath as he rubbed his hand against the back of his head still confused by what Sid was saying

"Parts of his brain is now responsive yes but you guys must be aware Brax still as a long way to go... and as for waking up I can't give a time line"

"But he is improving?" asked Casey

Sid nodded "Yes he as improves slightly. You guys are free to go in and see him now" and with that he gave them a nod before walking away

Charlie edged forward and pushed on the door causing it to open up. She knew that Sid had said there was still a long way to go but she also knew Bianca was right. Brax would be fighting as best he could to get back to her

"Hy" she walked over stroking his cheek before placing a kiss on his forehead "You scared me you know" she sat down in the seat she had occupied since she had entered his room. Her gaze remained on Brax as Heath spoke but she smiled a little

"You're such an attention seeker you know that bro. You just always have to be the centre of attention" he smiled lightly as well as everyone else as they all entered the room.

It was the first time Jack, Martha and Bianca had seen Brax. The small smile fell from Jacks face as he looked over at Brax all three of them taking in the state he was in.

"Always was a fighter, stubborn as hell" spoke Jack as he edged closer to Brax's bed

"Please like you can talk" said Martha causing everyone to lightly laugh

It seemed the increased hope in Brax recovering had given them all a sense of calmness. Now all they had to do was wait for him to open his eyes something they were all sure was going to happen

Charlie looked up at all the faces in the room and smiled lightly. This was her family even in times like this they always knew how to comfort one another. Looking back down at Brax she took his hand in hers. Once he woke up her family would once against be complete

...

The next day seemed to come by to slowly for everyone. Charlie had still refused to go leave the hospital. However they had managed to get her eating and Ruby had brought her a change of clothes; now they were all back at the hospital for another day of waiting and praying

Leaving the others in the hospital cafeteria Casey walked into Brax's room

"Hy" Charlie smiled up at him as he took a seat at the other side of Brax's bed

"Hy" Casey smiled over at her before focusing his gaze on Brax.

Charlie watched as Casey gazed at his brother. Although she knew everyone was finding it hard seeing Brax in such a way; now looking at Casey she could see he felt more pain and worry than he had been letting on

"What are you thinking?" asked Charlie as she kept her gaze on Casey

He looked up at her keeping still for a moment before shaking his head

"Nothing"

Charlie sighed "You shouldn't be keeping things bottled up"

"I'm not" replied Casey

Charlie smiled lightly "You're just like him"

Casey looked up wondering who she was talking about

"Brax... you're both so alike. Always trying to be strong"

Casey smiled lightly; to him being compared to his brother was a complement. He sighed looking down at Brax

"So you going to tell me what you're thinking?" prompted Charlie hoping he would open up

As Casey looked up at her she could see his eyes were now glazed over

"I-I err I keep thinking about what things will be like if he doesn't... I" Casey quickly wiped away the tear that fell as he shook his head

"I don't think I'm strong enough to get through it..." his gaze fell back on Brax as he felt another tear escape "I just really need for him to be ok"

Charlie pursed her lips together as she tried to hold back her own tears at his words. Slowly she moved her hand across the bed until it lay above Casey's

"First of all you are more than strong enough. Even when you were young you always had that Braxton strength" she smiled faintly at him "And secondly he is going to be just fine ok. He will wake up he as to" Charlie squeezed his hand hoping she was right and Brax would take away the pain they were all feeling.

"That's what I keep telling myself that he wouldn't leave... but then there's this voice that keeps asking what if he does. What if I never get to talk to him again or have him yell at me for putting the empty orange carton back in the fridge?"

Charlie tear fell as she gazed at the desperate expression on Casey's face

"You have to believe that he is fighting as best he can. I know leaving you and Heath isn't something he would ever wish to do. And the empty carton issue I will gladly grill you for doing that" Casey chuckled lightly as he looked back up at her

"Thank you" he spoke with sincerity in his voice "And I know leaving you isn't something he would ever do either

Charlie smiled at his words before her head landed on the door as the others walked in

Noticing the redness of both Casey and Charlie eyes Heath and Ruby looked at Charlie with a worried expression

"Is everything ok?" asked Heath

Casey smiled lightly at him "Yeah everything is good"

Heath looked at Charlie who simply nodded letting him know they were both ok

...

It had been over an hour since they had all entered Brax's room

Looking at Heath Jack stood to his feet "Mate I'm gonna have to get back to the station and Martha needs to pick Sophia from preschool. We'll come back later on" Heath nodded at Jacks words as Martha stood to her feet and walked over to Charlie

"He's going to be ok... I just know it" Charlie smiled faintly at her squeezing her hand that rested on her shoulder reassuringly. Giving everyone a light smile Jack and Martha left the room

Looking down at her watch Bianca looked up at Heath as she sat in his embrace "Babe I have to go pick Reece up and check that Irene is coping with Abi" Heath looked at the time before looking back up at Bianca

"No you stay I'll go and pick him up. I could probably do with a shower"

"You sure?" asked Bianca

"Yea" Heath glanced at Charlie before looking back at Bianca "Plus I think she really needs you here right now" he gave her a quick kiss before standing to his feet

"I'll see you guys in a couple of hours I'm going to pick Reece up" Casey and Ruby nodded before Heath shut the door behind him

...

Several minutes later Bianca sat watching Charlie as she kept her eyes glued upon Brax. The grip she held on his hand had yet to move since Heath left. Bianca sighed knowing Charlie would protest to what she was about to suggest. But yet she stood to her feet deciding it would be worth a try. Ruby and Casey glare shifted from Brax to Charlie as Bianca stood beside her. Bianca stroked Charlie's hair lightly before she spoke

"Charlie I know you want to be here for Brax but... don't you think you should go home and get some rest?"

Bianca heard Ruby and Casey sigh as Charlie shook her head

"No mum Bianca's right... you need to get some rest"

"I'm not tired plus what if I'm not here when he wakes up" her eye never leaving Brax

"Ruby and Casey are not going anywhere and Heath won't be gone long"

"Charlie Bianca's right" added Casey "Brax wouldn't want you losing sleep and not eating. You know when he wakes he's only going to complain about it" using Brax had always worked in the past and Casey hoped it would persuade her

"Even if it's just to have a shower Charlie" said Bianca

Charlie looked up at Bianca, Ruby and Casey and was net by their pleading eyes. Looking back up at Brax she knew Casey was right. If he woke up and saw her like this he would only complain and nag her for not taking care of herself

Bianca, Ruby and Casey let out a sigh of relief as Charlie finally gave in

"Ok but just to shower then I'm coming right back"

"That all we ask" smiled Ruby as Charlie stood to her feet

"I'll drive you" spoke Bianca to which Charlie nodded

Placing a kiss on Brax's cheek Charlie gently removed her hand from his before looking up at Casey and Ruby

"Any changes... any changes what so ever and you call me straight away" Ruby and Casey nodded in agreement to her words

...

"You ok?" Casey looked down at Ruby who had not said a word since Charlie and Bianca left. It was only then he noticed the tears that were making their way down her face. Gently lifting her head from his chest he looked at her

"Hy" he wiped the tears from her cheek "He's going to be ok... this is Brax we're talking about"

Ruby looked up at him "I'm sorry" she gave him a weak smile "I just... I can't believe everything that has happened. A couple of days ago we were all happy and now Brax he's... and Charlie" another tear fell from her eyes

Casey sighed as he pulled her back into him "Firstly you have nothing to be sorry about. And this it's just another obstacle that we're going to come out of. Brax isn't going anywhere and Charlie will be back to normal as soon as he wakes up"

"I really hope that's soon" said Ruby

"So do I" replied Casey placing a kiss on her forehead before looking up at Brax

Ruby looked up at Casey as he peered at Brax. She wasn't sure if anyone had taken the time to ask him how he was handling all this

"And you?" asked Ruby causing Casey to look down at her slightly confused "Are you ok?"

"Honestly" he asked and Ruby nodded as she edged up in his arms "I'm a little scared" he removed his gaze from her and looked up at Brax "He's my brother but he... he practically raised me and I can't remember ever thanking him... not once" Casey felt his eyes sting as a tear rolled own him cheek. Before he could brush it away Ruby placed her hand on his cheek gently stroking it and taking his tear with her thumb.

"Well you can tell him when he wakes up. And in the mean time we can be scared together" Casey smiled down at her, her hand still placed on his cheek.

He swallowed in an attempt to discard of the dryness in his throat before he spoke

"I love you" he studied her face unsure of how she would respond to his words. His growing nerves quickly calmed as he noted the smile that was making its way to her face

"And I love you too" Ruby leaned up and placed a kiss on his lips before parting her smile still placed

"You do know if it's true that coma patients can hear what goes on around them you are in for a lot of grieve from Brax when he wakes" Ruby laughed lightly having witnessed Brax and Heath teasing Casey about her a number of times

"Well let's just hope it's not true" spoke Casey as he gave her another kiss

...

"I'll make you something to eat for when you finish in the shower"

"Bianca I don't have time for that" Charlie made her way down the hallway towards the bathroom

"Well I'll make it so you can eat it on the go" replied Bianca

"Fine" sighed Charlie knowing Bianca wasn't going to give up

Closing the bathroom door behind her Charlie leaned against the door as she closed her eyes tightly. She stopped her train of thought knowing it would do her no go as she walked over to the shower and turned it on. Stripping down to nothing; for the first time since Brax had been in hospital Charlie caught a proper view of herself in the mirror. She couldn't believe how different she looked from the last time she looked at her self. Her mascara had faded completely but parts of it had left dark blotches on her face from where she had been crying. Her hair was flat and lifeless. Her eyes were reddened and although barely visible she could see the dark circles that lay beneath them. Lightly sighing, she slowly stepped into the shower. She shut her eyes as the warm water ran down her body. All the thoughts she had been pushing back started rushing through her mind. She replayed the events of the night at the restaurant. Her hand travelled to the ring that Brax had given her before Grant had shown up. She shook her head as the sudden bang from the gun shot played in her head. She jolted her eyes open as the image of Brax falling to the ground hit her hard. She looked down at her hands remembering his blood that stained her. In a split second a happy evening had been turned to the worse night of her life. Knowing no one was there to stop her she let herself cry. Her cries grow louder but she hoped they were numbed by the sound of the water hitting against her bare skin. She slid lower against the wall of the shower until she could go no further. Bringing her knees up to her body she buried her head in them as she let herself get rid of all the tears she had forced herself to hold onto.

...

Bianca sat in the living room waiting on Charlie. She had gone to check on her while she was in the shower but as she closed in on the bathroom the sound of Charlie cries could be heard. Knowing it was something Charlie needed to do she turned and sat waiting for her to come out in her own time. She turned her head as a now dressed Charlie walked into the living groom. She had tied her wet hair in a lose bun and put on a loosely fitted top and some sweatpants.

"Hy" Bianca smiled up at her "You feeling a little better?"

"Yea thanks I really needed that"

Bianca nodded as she stood to her feet "I figured you wouldn't have a huge appetite so I made you chicken salad. That way you can eat on our way to the hospital" Bianca held up the container in her hand

"You didn't have to but thank you" smiled Charlie "Actually could we make a little detour first" asked Charlie

"Of course" answered Bianca as they both walked towards the front door "Where do you want to go?"

"To the beach" answered Charlie

Bianca nodded instantly understanding why she wanted to go there "Ok" and with that they both left the house.

Turing off the ignition Bianca looked to Charlie "I'll wait here for you"

Charlie nodded thankfully before getting out of the car and making her way down to that familiar spot. Reaching her destination she stood as she peered at the calmness of the ocean. The blue ocean glittered against the sand beneath her feet. She eased herself onto the sand

"I miss you guys so much" she spoke as she watched the water lapping against the sand

"I'm such a mess. And I'm so scared" she spoke the ending of her sentence in a whisper "I know he's fighting but I'm scared it won't be enough" she sighed

"Can you believe he hung on to this for so long" Charlie smiled as she looked down at the ring on her finger before looking back up "After everything he still loves me" Charlie pursed her lips together

"I really do need him, so anything you can do... please for me" a stray tear fell

Charlie hadn't noticed how close the ocean had gotten till the water softly ran over her feet. She smiled up and it was as if she had only just noticed the unusual calmness the ocean held. She hoped this meant she had nothing to neither fear nor worry about. Standing to her feet she wiped her tear way

"I love you guys" with that she turned walking up the beach and back towards the car

...

"Hy" Ruby and Casey looked up at Charlie who although didn't look a hundred, she still looked a lot better than she had done before she left

"Did you get something to eat?" asked Ruby as she edged out of Casey's embrace slightly

"Yea Bianca here practically shoved some food down my throat"

"Well thank you Bianca" Charlie looked at her daughter and shook her head at her words before making her way over to Brax's side and sitting in the chair that she had now claimed as her own

Not long after Heath and Jack walked through the door

"Hy" Heath gave Bianca a kiss before walking over to Brax's side. He smiled as he looked over at Charlie

"How you holding up?" asked Jack as he looked at her

"Better than last night" she smiled faintly at him

"I see they got you to leave the room" spoke Heath as he examined her new look

"Yea" smiled Charlie "I think I needed it too"

Heath nodded "Yea I think if Brax had woken up before and saw you like that you may have just given him a fright" Charlie's smile widened slightly as she shook her head at Heaths comment. She knew he as much as anyone was struggling with all this and she was thankful that he still took time out to put a smile on everyone's face

"Thank you" said Charlie as she looked at him

He raised and eyebrow unsure of what he had done to deserve it "For what?"

"For just being you" smiled Charlie

Heath smiled at her in understanding "Anytime"

"We might go get something to eat in the cafeteria" spoke Casey as he and Ruby stood to their feet.

Looking over at Charlie who had her hand placed over Brax's as she played with the ring on her finger Bianca stood too

"Actually why don't we all go... I for one haven't eaten all day" Bianca gestured to both and Jack

"Yea ok" Heath stood knowing she wanted to give Charlie some time alone with Brax

"Charlie do you want anything?" asked Ruby

"No thank you" she smiled at them all as they left "Jack?" she called him just as he was about to leave the room

"Thank you for the other day. Coming outside after me"

"I didn't do much" replied Jack

"No you did" nodded Charlie as she smiled at him "You haven't really gotten any time with him have you?" asked Charlie

"It's cool I'll probably be thinking of ways to get rid of him after he's been awake for about ten minutes" joked Jack

Charlie smiled "Stay, it might do him some good. He's probably missing the stupid male banter that goes on between the both of you" Charlie nodded to the seat on the other side of Brax's bed

"You sure?" asked Jack

"Yea" Charlie nodded

As Jack sat he smiled "And it's not stupid banter we discuss very very serious things"

Charlie shook her head "Right because what model Ute is the best and who is the better surfer is very intellectual discussion" she mocked

Jack grasped as he turned to Brax "mate you really need to teach her a thing or two" he turned to Charlie "Of course its intellectual. It's very important to get these facts straight"

"Of course it is" mocked Charlie. She looked back over at Brax "you know he spent a whole afternoon once telling me why his Ute was better than Heath's" she leaned forward and stroked his cheek with her thumb "But I still think you're just jealous he got a Ute from mum and dad" she spoke to Brax knowing she wouldn't get a response

Jack smiled as Charlie looked at Brax with such delicate eyes. He loved Martha as she did him; he knew Bianca and Heath also loved each other greatly, but Brax and Charlie; It wasn't a topic to be argued or debated on, everyone knew it; their love, their feelings, what they shared it was something else. It wasn't the type of love that came around every day it was rear and almost impossible to find. But Charlie and Brax had it, that love that seemed almost out of this world. Martha was his soul mate that much he was sure of but Brax and Charlie, it was as if they were half's of each other, part of the same body. The only time they seemed to function efficiently was when they were together.

In the midst of what had been happening Jack had only just noticed the ring on her finger. He peered for a moment before he finally remembered where he had seen it from

"So you finally gave it to her" Charlie looked up from Brax at Jack confused, wondering what he was talking about

"The ring... I actually forgot about it. I cant believe he held onto it" Jack smiled down at the ring

Realising what he was talking about Charlie took her hand from Brax's cheeks and used it to trace the ring that had remained unmoved since he had placed it there two nights ago

"You knew about this?"

Jack nodded "Yea he dragged me around the city for hours on end trying to find the perfect gift" Jack rolled his eyes sarcastically "I can't remember how many different shops we had to go into before he finally found that ring. Apparently all the other nice gifts we had seen weren't you" Jack screwed his face "I still don't know what that meant"

Charlie laughed at him before looking back at the ring

"I didn't no he had gone to so much trouble"

"Trust me when it comes to you Brax isn't one to do things half arsed... but needless to say I have never been out gift hunting with him ever since. No way am I putting myself through that again"

Charlie chuckled lightly "He can't have been that bad"

"We were in the city for over four hours going from shop to shop Charlie... it WAS that bad"

Charlie turned her gaze back to Brax unable to comprehend how much he truly loved her

"He went through all that trouble and I just left without giving him a simple goodbye"

Jack sighed "But you came back, you knew there was a possibility Grant could come back at anytime but you came back. And I have a feeling it wasn't because you missed the beach"

"I honestly don't know how I managed to stay away for so long. There were so many times I stood at the bus station in the city and I nearly came back down here"

Jack had never heard this. He sat up slightly "What stopped you?"

"Partly Grant but mostly Brax; I went through so many scenarios in my head as to how he would react if I came down here but each time all I could see was this disappointed and hurt look on his face. And then the girls came down and they used to try to avoid talking about him but as we know I can be stubborn. One day they told me the truth about how distant he had been, how hard he had taken it and that was it. I couldn't bring myself to do it after that. The last time he had looked at me it was like I was the only thing in his world. I wanted to remember that" she sighed heavily "Selfish I know"

Jack shook his head "No not selfish. I think he held on to that too. In all that happened he never spoke one bad word about you"

"Not even once" asked Charlie in disbelief

"Nope not even once; I think he always knew there had to be something else behind you just leaving like that"

Charlie looked back at Brax "Not a single day went by that I didn't think about him. even after all the years had passed I used to find my self sitting wondering what he was doing, how he was doing... who he was with"

"I'm pretty sure the same goes for him" replied Jack

"You're a good friend you know that" Charlie smiled up at him

"I know" smiled Jack smugly. Charlie simply shook her head at him "I err I'm gonna go join the rest... give you two a little time alone before the whole clan come rushing back in" Jack smiled as he stood to his feet

Charlie nodded watching as he left the room. Charlie pulled her chair closer to Brax wanting to be as close to him as she could without getting in the way of all the wires and machines

"I bet you didn't know so many people loved you hy. You really know how to make an impression don't you" she smiled sadly as she ran her thumb gently against his cheek. She sat for a while not saying a word before she spoke again

"Heath's right you know you probably would have had a fright if you had seen the way I looked earlier today" Charlie smiled lightly as she took his hand in hers. Bringing both their hands up she placed a kiss on his knuckles before placing both their hands back down

"You have got to be the only person that I know that would give a girl a promise ring then jump in front of a bullet" Charlie stroked his knuckles as she spoke. She looked up at the only movement coming from his steadily rising chest

"You're gonna have to wake up so you can keep your promise of always keeping a smile on my face"

Charlie remained unspoken for a while before her lips parted again

"Ella came round earlier" sighed Charlie "I was so angry and... I know this isn't her fault but I guess I was just looking to shift the blame from me" she sniffed back her tears "I am so sorry for causing this... if I had known it would turn out like this I would have stayed away. J-Just please wake up so I can make it up to you" she buried her head in their entwined hands

"A kiss will do just fine" the voice came in a weak almost inaudible tone

Charlie head shot up in shock as she looked up at him only to be met by his barley opened eyes gazing in her direction

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comments guys. Enjoy

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN

"A kiss will do just fine" the voice came in a weak almost inaudible tone

Charlie head shot up in shock as she looked up at him only to be met by his barley opened eyes gazing in her direction

...

"B-Brax" she stared at him in shock

"H-Hy" he gave her the only smile he could manage.

She remained paralysed for a moment unsure if her mind was taunting her once again she called his name

"Brax" she blinked rapidly but his gaze on her never faltered

"That's my name" his groggy voice was barely audible as he finally opened his eyes fully

As a burst of energy sprung through her, Charlie shot to her feet as she sprayed her arms around him. Her tears falling rapidly her sobs increasing in volume

Placing her hands on either side of his face she strokes her thumb against his cheeks before attaching her lips to his. "you have no idea how much I've missed you" she spoke through her tears and since the night before she gave her first heartfelt smile. As Brax started coughing he winced in pain. Charlie quickly jumped for the door

"Sid Sid" she called not leaving the room "He's awake" she almost let out a laugh of joy at her own words. She raced back to Brax's side as Sid and some other nurses came through the door. She clutched onto his hand as her tears made their way down her face, her smile engulfing her face

"Welcome back to the world" Sid smiled at Brax as he monitored the reading on the machines closest to Brax

Brax I'm gonna need you to stay still for a moment" Spoke Sid as he lifted a light torch to Brax's eye "Can you just follow the direction of the light" Brax did as he was told as he slowly moved his head following the bright light that was shining in his eye.

"Brax take your time but I need you to tell me your date of Birth and what year it is" Sid sighing in relief as Brax recited both facts correctly. Sid lightly placed his hand on Brax's wound causing Brax to instantly wince in pain

"Just blink twice when the pain gets worse" Sid probed up Brax's stomach only stopping when Brax was no longer able to bare the painful feeling and winced a little louder than he had before. Charlie's smile faded as she saw how much pain Brax was in

"Sid" Charlie looked up at him as he jotted down on the pad before him

Looking up at her Sid gave her a small smile before looking at Brax "You are one lucky guy... someone up there is really watching out for you" he looked back at Charlie

"He still as a long way to go but I think it's safe to say he is officially out of the woods. He doesn't seem to have any long lasting damages. His wound is still very raw as expected but with right care he should make a full recovery" Charlie's face softened at the news as she turned back to Brax

"However we will have to do a final scan just to be on the safe side" as Sid finished talking he turned at the sound of the new voice in the room

"What's going on?" Heath and the rest paced forward instantly thinking the worse as he saw Sid Stood blocking Brax from his sight. As he stepped past Sid he froze hoping he wasn't just seeing what he wanted to see.

"Brax" he looked at his brothers opened eyes

"Hy knuckle head" Brax voice came in a weakened whisper. But in that moment it made no difference the fact that he was awake was all that mattered to them

"You're awake?" Casey looked on stating the obvious

"No **** Sherlock " Brax gave a weak grin

Heath sighed in relief almost as if releasing breath that he had been holding onto "I've literally never been more relieved to hear that annoying voice of yours" Heath smiled as he ran his hand over his face

Casey walked towards the bed "Thank God" Casey let out a little laugh at the small grin on his brother's face

"I'm not done teasing you just yet" spoke Brax causing everyone to laugh

"As long as you're awake I don't mind" smiled Casey as he lowered himself into the seat besides Brax's bed

"I'll remind you of that by the end of the week" spoke Brax

"I'm really glad you're ok" Ruby smiled as a tear rolled down her face. She had never felt so relieved in her life

"I hope those are happy tears" he smiled as Ruby nodded her head vigorously

"Definitely happy tears" she spoke as she wiped her tear away her smile never leaving her face

"Good"

"Hy mate" Jack stepped forward smiling at him "You don't half know how to keep us on our toes"

Brax smiled at his best friends humour

"Can't have you all getting to comfortable can I" Brax looked at him through his enervated gaze

Jack shook his head with a smile "Good to know you're still the same"

"Like you would have me any other way" Brax looked around the room almost amazed by the relief that was present on all their faces as they glared at him.

Having left the room before Sid now returned knowing Brax would need all the rest he could get

"Guys I know you all want to be here but he really needs to get some rest. At the moment he is still very weak and we don't want him burning out all his strength in one go"

They all nodded in understanding

"I'll go tell April and Irene the good news" Bianca moved forward. Leaning over she placed a kiss on Brax's cheek "So glad you're ok" she smiled at him before looking up at Charlie who had her eyes glued on Brax. She smiled at the change in Charlie. The spark in her eyes that had been somewhat lost for the last 48 hours had returned. Looking back at Brax she spoke again "Really really glad you're ok". Brax followed her gaze as his sight landed on Charlie. He couldn't deny the lack of energy he had, but he couldn't control the smile that spread across his face as his eyes met hers.

Giving Brax one final peck on the cheek Bianca picked up her bag and walked towards the door

"I'll see you guys later"

"Err why does he get two and I get none" Heath looked at Bianca mocking her with a pained expression

"What?" Bianca looked at him confused

Heath tapped his index finger against his cheek causing Bianca along with the rest to chuckle at him. Bianca shook her head walking back over to him before placing a kiss on his cheek

"Better?"

"Much" he smiled as she turned and left the room

"I should probably let Martha know or else she will have my head" joked Jack "I'll come and see you later" he looked at Brax who nodded at his words as he left the room before his gaze returned back on Charlie

Knowing the boys had missed Brax more than anything Charlie reluctantly tore her eyes away from him.

"Err me and Ruby will go and let you guys have some alone time. I'll come back later after you've had some rest" she stood to her feet but her hand remained laced in his unwilling to let go

"You can all stay" he clung onto her hand with the strength he could muster

"You heard Sid you need to rest" Charlie couldn't deny she didn't want to go but she could see that Sid had a point. Brax's gaze still seemed frail and it was clear that even with the little energy he had used he was exhausted.

"Charlie you stay we'll go" spoke Heath as he and Casey stood to their feet. It was clear to both of them and Ruby that neither Charlie nor Brax wanted to be out of each other's presence.

Charlie looked up at them and shook her head

"No you guys are staying" they were his brothers and she knew they needed as much time alone with him as she did "I'll come back later" and with that she leaned forward placing a kiss on his lips "I'll be back. I promise" she whispered to Brax as she pulled away reluctantly pealing her hands from his as she moved around the bed and closer to the door

Walking over to his bed side Ruby placed a kiss on his cheeks as she lightly wrapped her arms around him careful not to use too much force "Thank you for waking up" she smiled at him

Brax smiled "You're welcome"

He smiled at both Buckton girls as they looked down at him with a gleeful smile on their faces. He watched as they left his room his gaze still placed on the spot Charlie had occupied

"Mate she'll be back" Brax tore his gaze away from the entrance only to meet the grin that was displayed on Heath's face

"I can't say I'm not happy to see your ugly mug" smiled Brax "And yours" Brax looked down at Casey his smile still placed

"Right back at you" spoke Casey "You really had us worried Brax" the smile on Casey's face had disappeared as he looked at Brax

Brax sighed knowing it would have been hard for his brothers thinking they were going to lose him

"Sorry. But trust me I'm not going anywhere"

"Good" spoke Heath as he moved the cahir on Brax's left hand side to his right placing it down besides Casey "Because we still need someone to keep us in check from time to time" Heath spoke honestly and for the first time Brax could see how scared he must had been

"I missed you boys" Brax spoke softly

"We missed you too" spoke Casey.

"Yeah... plus teasing Casey just wouldn't be enough for me I much prefer taking the **** out of you" Heath's grin had returned "Just don't go jumping in front of any more bullets... you're putting the rest of us guys to shame" Although Heath tried to hide behind his humour Brax and Casey knew there was sincerity in what he had said.

He may hide it well but Brax could see that losing him wasn't something Heath or Casey wanted to ever have to deal with. He smiled at how much they had grown but how close they remained

"I think it's safe to say I won't be doing that any time soon" replied Brax

"How about never?" Casey spoke quickly

Brax chuckled lightly "Sorry I meant never"

"Well unless the bullets coming my way... then by all means please jump" Casey punched Heath in the arm glaring at him unimpressed

"Oi" Heath returned Casey's gesture as Brax watched on a smile placed on his face

"Now this I have definitely missed"

Casey and Heath looked up at him and the three brothers chuckled, happy to be in one another's presence

...

Heath and Casey had left Brax to get some rest over an hour ago. Charlie walked through the hospital her legs moving faster than intended as she got closer to Brax's door. Edging it open slowly, a smile engulfed her face as she watched his sleeping form. It was nothing like when he had been in a coma. His breath was heavier and the colour in his face had started to return. She gently closed the door behind her as she slowly walked over to the left hand side of his bed. She stood as she engrossed herself in his presence. It seemed like a life time ago since she had heard his breath leave his lips when he would sleep. Not being able to resist the urge to feel his skin against hers she moved closer her body now pressed against the edge of his bed; she softly ran her hand through his hair before brushing her thumb softly against his cheek not wanting to wake him. But as she pulled away she watched as a small smile crept up on his face.

"I see you kept your promise" he said with his eyes still closed. She smiled at how he knew it was her just by a simple touch

"Sorry I didn't mean to wake you" and at this Brax opened his eyes and met hers instantly as he shook his head slowly

"I'm not complaining" Charlie smiled at his words as she took a seat beside him

"Go back to sleep, Sid said you need rest" Once again Brax shook his head

"I can rest later. Right now I just want to look at you" not sure why Charlie felt herself blushing under his stilled gaze.

Noticing her reddened cheeks the corner of Brax's lips curled up

"I have missed that so much" lifting his hands slowly he placed it on her face as he stroked her cheek with his thumb. Instantly placing her hand over his Charlie closed her eyes as she leant into his touch. The feeling she felt having his touch against hers was something she couldn't explain. She felt a tear roll down her face as she let herself relish under his hand

"Hy" Brax moved his thumb so it took her tear away with it "Why you crying?" his voice infirm but the worry in it was clear.

Charlie opened her eyes and looked at him. Fresh tears fell from her eyes as she remembered how she felt when she thought she was going to lose him

"I'm just really glad you're ok. I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you"

"I made you a promise... I wasn't going to break it" Brax looked at the promise ring that sat on her finger and smiled lightly displaying his dimples. Charlie removed her hand from his and placed it on his cheek as she brushed her thumb over it

"And I've missed that so much" she commented on his dimples as her smile engulfed her face

Silence fell on the both of them as they gazed at one another. If at all they had the smallest doubts before, it was now clear. She was his and he was hers nothing could ever change that.

For the first time he seemed he suddenly remembered the last thing he had seen before he passed out in the restaurant

"Grant" as he said the name Charlie's expression changed as she remembered what she had done. Immediately picking up on this Brax looked at her intensively

"They caught him right...?" he looked at Charlie hoping Grant hadn't managed to escape again

"Err..." Charlie felt her throat dry up as she tried to get her words out. She had by now removed her hand from his cheek "Brax he-he's dead"

Brax looked at her confused by what she had said

"Dead" Charlie nodded at his words her gaze falling to the ground. There was nothing she could do to stop her tears from falling as she recalled what had happened

"Charlie... hy Charlie" he moved his hand to her wrist as he caressed it gently "Charlie what happened?" He would never admit it but he feared what Grant may have done to Charlie

Charlie slowly lifted her gaze until it met his. Breathing deeply she cleared her throat as she spoke

"Heath he turned up... I saw him but I-I didn't say anything. I just sat and watched as he threw himself at Grant" Charlie paused as she recalled Heath and Grant scrambling on the ground before her

"I didn't mean to I just wanted him to stop...and then he started punching at Heath and I..." as her voice caught in her throat she used her free hand to harshly wipe away her tear

Brax looked on in worry and anticipation of what she was going to say. He gently tightened his grip on her wrist as best he could "Charlie what is it... what happened?" he tried to increase the volume of his voice but his lack of energy wouldn't allow it

Charlie pursed her lips together as her eyes froze on his "I can't even remember picking it up. All I know is I was stood there with the gun in my hand and I panicked. I just wanted him to stop but he wouldn't he just kept swinging at Heath and you was just lying there and..." Charlie felt her whole body begin to shake as if she finally realised what she had done

"Babe" Brax grew anxious as he noticed her body start to shake

"I shot him Brax... I shot him and now he's dead... I killed him" Charlie's tears hit against the sheets on the bed

"Charlie" Brax closed his eyes briefly knowing that regardless of the monster Grant was this would be tearing Charlie up

"I wasn't trying to kill him Brax I just wanted him to stop"

"Come here" tugging her towards him gently she rested her head carefully on his chest letting him be there for her. A comforting silence fell upon them for several minutes before Brax spoke

"Charlie you did what you had to do... you was trying to protect Heath and yourself no one can hold that against you"

Charlie sniffed back "But I killed him"

Brax shook his head "Charlie if you hadn't had done what you did you and Heath both may not be here. You can't feel bad for that Charlie...ok"

Charlie nodded at his words keeping her head against his chest. Brax sighed heavily he couldn't lie that the thought of Grant being dead brought him a sense of relief but choosing not to voice his thoughts to Charlie he simply placed a kiss on her forehead deciding to change the subject

"And for the record Heath was wrong... looking at you could never give me anything but joy"

Charlie pulled away from him slowly and stared at him in shook wondering if maybe the boys had told him about what Heath had said "Did Heath tell you that"

Brax shook his head "You did... I heard you"

"You did?" asked Charlie her eyes widening slightly "Everything?"

Brax nodded "Everything" the smile on his face had faded as he remembered what Charlie had said as he was waking up

"Come up here" He patted the small space near his hips "I want you a little closer"

She sat further up beside him with her legs dangling from the side of the bed. Shifting his hands he wrapped them around hers as he gazed into her eyes

"Did you mean what you said?"

By the look on his face Charlie needn't ask what it was that he was referring to

"If it meant keeping you safe and alive with the people you love... then yes I would have stayed away"

"So you could live without me?" asked Brax his gaze never leaving hers

Charlie shook her head as she pursed her lips trying to keep her tears from falling

"No... it would kill me, everyday without you would kill me Brax, but if it meant Casey and Heath still had you then I would" She lowered her head trying to hide her eyes from him

"Charlie" Brax called her but her gaze remained on the sheets. Slowly lifting his hands he placed them below her chin lifting her gaze till it was in line with his. He sighed and wiped the tear that had fallen against her cheek

"I jump in front of a bullet and you still don't get it. Those people that I love Charlie, you're part of them. Actually I think it's safe to say I love you above all other and I most definitely have no plans of living my life without you in it" Charlie gazed at him disbelievingly. Even in his clearly weak form he still knew exactly what to say to make her heart beat ten to the dozen.

Charlie shook her head "You shouldn't have jumped in front of that bullet Brax"

"Like I said I don't plan on living without you"

"And what if..." Charlie paused thinking of what could have happened if he hadn't woken up "What if things had turned out differently how did you expect me to live without you Brax?"

Brax shook his head "You will never be without me, not if I have anything to do with it"

"I'm gonna hold you to that" Charlie smiled lightly at him

"Good because I plan on sticking to it"

No words were spoken for a moment as they both peered at each other. Engrossing themselves in each other's eyes something both had longed for, for what felt like a lifetime. Breaking the silence Brax spoke and referred back to what she had said before he woke up

"You're wrong" Charlie looked at him in confusion "None of this is your fault... you didn't cause anything. I don't want you ever thinking that" Charlie's silence and the look on her face made it clear she didn't believe what he was saying

"He was trying to hurt me Brax n..." Brax quickly interrupted her

"Because he was heartless and twisted, not because of anything you did. He is scum and all this is on him I don't want you to ever blame yourself. Are we clear?"

Charlie peered at him before nodding her head "I love you so much you know that"

Brax nodded "I love you too but... I'm not all to satisfied with the kiss you gave me earlier I think I deserve another one"

Charlie chuckled as she shook her head at him, even in a hospital bed he knew exactly how to make her smile. Shuffling closer up the bed she leaned closer to him as she slowly lowered her head till her lips met his. She relished in the kiss as his lips caressed hers. Pulling away she laughed at the gleeful look on his face

"I definitely missed that" Brax grinned

"Me too" Charlie placed another quick kiss on his lips. "I should let you get some rest... Sid wouldn't be happy if he found out I was keeping you awake"

Brax latched onto Charlie's hand "Na stay with me"

"Brax you need to rest"

"And I will but you can stay with me... make sure I'm following doctors orders"

Charlie grinned over at him "Fine. Let me let Heath know that Ruby will be staying there tonight" standing to her feet Charlie dug her phone out of her bag "I won't be long" placing another kiss on his lips she left his room as she dialled Heaths number

...

Walking back into Brax room she couldn't help her smile as he gazed at her with that smile that had long stolen her heart

"Sorted?"

"Yea sorted" she made her way back over to him. Placing a kiss on his temple she stood back

"Now you have to get some rest" she turned and walked over to the couch at the corner of the room

"This isn't going to work for me... it doesn't feel right" Brax kept a straight face as he shook his head

Charlie looked at him with a raised eyebrow "What's wrong?"

Brax couldn't help the smile on his face at the worried expression displayed on hers

"This distance between us... it's not going to work for me" Charlie's face relaxed as she grinned at him. Sitting up on the couch she spoke

"So what would you suggest then Braxton?"

Grinning Brax patted the little space besides him "This is close enough I think" he gave her a cheeky wink

Charlie laughed at his cheekiness as she looked at the little space beside him "I'm not the biggest girl going but even I can't fit in that tiny space"

"I'll make space" Brax grinned

"No you wont... you need to be comfortable and get some rest. Sid said the wound is still raw so sorry but you're gonna have to sleep solo tonight"

"And I'll be comfortable with you next to me" Charlie shook her head knowing he wasn't about to give up soon but also knowing he needed rest she decided to compromise

"Ok how about..." she stopped talking as she stood to her feet. She slowly shuffling the small couch as close to Brax's bed side as possible. She looked up at him "Surly that's close enough for you?"

Brax shook his head "Nup... but it'll do for now"

Edging around the couch she leaned over placing a final kiss on his lips "Now rest I want you out of here as quick as possible"

Brax chuckled lightly as she curled up on the couch and laced her left hand through his.

They both remained in each other's embrace in silence their gaze stuck on each other. Charlie watched as brax eventually fell asleep. She knew although he didn't want to admit it he was tired. Watched as his eyes closed she leaned up from the couch and placed a kiss on his temple before settling back down and letting her much needed sleep engross her.

...

Heath, Casey and Ruby stilled their steps as they entered Brax's room to find both Charlie and Brax fast asleep their hands still entwined in each others. Ruby smiled glad that Charlie was finally able to get some sleep

"How about we leave these two for a while... I think they could both do with the extra rest" Ruby and Casey nodded at Heath before they all turned slowly leaving the room as quietly as possible.

An hour later Charlie began to stir as she woke. She squinted her eye at the morning sun before opening them slowly. Shuffling slightly her gaze finally landed on Brax who was still sound asleep. She stopped and for a few moments she gazed at him her smile unmoved from her face as she watched his chest rise and fall peacefully. She couldn't believe how much she had missed the little things. Like the way his hair was always slightly ruffled when he slept or the way he breaths when he's asleep. Her eyes examined him till it reached his bandaged stomach. Her smile faded as she peered at it. Lost in her own thoughts she jumped slightly as he spoke

"You know it's rude to stare" looking up she was met by his grin

"Morning" she smiled up at him trying to mask the fact that she been staring at his bandaged wound

"It looks a lot worse than it feels" Brax knew too well what she was trying to do "I feel a little better than I did yesterday"

"Promise?" Charlie looked up at him unsure

He smiled "Promise"

Both their heads jolted up as the door opened up. They both smiled as Heath, Casey, Ruby and Jack came into view

"I see you're both finally up" spoke Heath earning a confused look form the both of them

"We came in about an hour ago but you were both asleep so we went to get some breakfast... Bumped into this one on the way" Heath nodded his head at Jack who simply hit him lightly across the head

"Good to see you finally got some sleep" Casey smiled at Charlie who returned the gesture

"Yeah I feel much better" Charlie smiled as she looked up at Brax

"Is that because of the sleep or that knuckle head" Jack nodded his head at Brax

"The sleep and the knuckle head" Laughed Charlie as she grinned at Brax

"Oi" Brax feigned a hurt expression causing the others to laugh at him

...

"Right we're gonna head off and let you get some rest" Heath, Bianca, Ruby and Casey stood to their feet "Plus we need to pick the kids up from Irene's"

Brax nodded "how are the two trouble makers?"

"They're good, Reece keeps asking of you... I think he's more excited for when you'll be getting out of here than we are" smiled Bianca as she walked over and placed a kiss on his cheek

Brax smiled at her words "Well let him know I'll be out of here in no time"

"Will do"

Brax looked over to the other side of his bed where Charlie sat "Babe you should go home tonight get some proper rest"

"No I don't mind staying here with you" Charlie laced her hand in his as she shuffled with the chair. Moving closer to Brax

Brax grinned "I know you don't but you need to rest"

"I can rest here" argued Charlie

"I know but I want you at your best for when I get out of here... I'm holding you to your promise"

"What promise?" Charlie looked at him confused, unsure of what he was talking about

"Well we didn't get to waste time like you promised... so that's the first thing on my to do list when I get out of here" Brax gave a quick wink

Charlie felt her cheeks heat up as she blushed only causing Brax's grin to widen

"Is that what you both like to call it" Heath shook his head mockingly as he peered at them.

Finally picking up on what Brax had meant Ruby and Casey instantly frowned in disgust

"That's just beyond gross" Ruby spoke through her unimpressed expression, only causing the rest to laugh

"You've been awake 24 hours and you're already well on your way back to your normal self" laughed Bianca

Everyone's input had only increased the amount of blood rushing to Charlie's cheeks

"Aww Buckton, you blushing" mocked Heath earning a slap to the chest from Bianca

"Shut up Heath" Bianca tried to hide the amusement on her face as she looked at Charlie who was now focusing deeply on her hands that were still tangled with Brax's

Tugging on Charlie's hand Brax's grin remained placed as she looked up at him "Go home ok... I'll still be here in the morning. Plus I don't think the nurses will allow you stay again"

Charlie sighed "Fine but I'll be back first thing in the morning"

"I don't doubt that for a second" replied Brax

Standing from her seat she leaned in and placed her lips on his. As Brax took her lips in his she leaned closer allowing herself get caught in the moment. Laughing into the kiss she pulled away at the gagging noises both Ruby and Casey were making.

"I think that's my queue" smiled Charlie before giving him another quick kiss

"I'll see you tomorrow bro" Heath smiled down at Brax as he and Bianca made their way out of his room

Bidding them all fair well Charlie hung back looking back on final time to see Brax gazing at her his smile unmoved

"I love you"

"I love you too" Brax replied as she finally closed the door leaving him to rest for the night

[RoRo90]

Thank you guys for the comments guys . Although my previous chapter was titled chapter forty seven this chapter will be titled chapter forty nine just because on the fanfic.net site it classes this as chapter forty nine because I posted two parts for chapter 25 and I know this as confused people a little.. Just thought I should clear that up so no one thinks I've just skipped a chapter. Anyway here is the next installment. Enjoy

CHAPTER FORTY NINE

Bidding them all fair well Charlie hung back looking back on final time to see Brax gazing at her his smile unmoved

"I love you"

"I love you too" Brax replied as she finally closed the door leaving him to rest for the night

...

Three days later

Brax looked up at the time and smiled knowing that Charlie would be arriving any minute. As the thought left his mind his gaze moved to the door as it was pushed open. His smile widened as Charlie walked in baring a smile matching his

"Hy" she leaned in planting a kiss on his lips

"Hy" Brax pulled her closer prolonging the kiss. Finally releasing her he pulled her closer so she was sitting beside him on the bed

Charlie's smile engulfed her face "You seem to have your strength back"

Brax nodded "Yep... plus seeing your face every morning doesn't hurt either" he grinned displaying his much missed dimples

"Good" giving him another quick kiss she made herself comfortable "So how is it?" she looked down at the bandages that spun around his stomach

"Sid says it's a lot better" grinned Brax " who knows if I'm lucky I should be out of here in no time"

"Did Sid say that?" smiled Charlie

"Yep"

"Thank god"

"I know... I really REALLY can't wait to waste some time with you"

"Brax" Charlie shook her head but couldn't help the smile that lay across her face

"What I'm just being honest" that famous cheeky grin lay on his face as he spoke

"I don't think Sid will agree to that till your wound heals up properly... so sorry the only thing you're going to be doing is resting and sleeping"

Both their heads turned to the door at the gentle knock that sounded against it. Looking on Charlie and Brax watched as Joyce and Watson walked into the room dressed in uniform. Charlie must admit she was surprised they had waited as long as they had before coming to see Brax. She knew they would want him to give an account of what had happened that night at the restaurant

"Mr Braxton... Constable" Joyce gave both Brax and Charlie a nod as Watson closed the door behind them

Watson gave Charlie a faint smile which Charlie returned before her gaze landed back on Joyce

Brax edged up slightly against the bed as he peered at Joyce knowing what both he and Watson where there for

"Mr Braxton we have to ask you a few questions about the incident that took place the night you were shot"

"You mean the night Grant shot me... the same night he tried to shoot Charlie" Brax voice was harsh as he addressed Joyce

"Mr Braxton we know this must be hard for you but we need to get a full account of what transpired"

"Fine what do you want to know?"

Charlie stood from the bed and lowered herself into the seat beside Brax as Joyce spoke again. Her hand found Brax and he squeezed her hand lightly knowing reliving that night was going to be as hard for her as it was for him

"Right if you could start from the beginning of the night"

Brax took a deep breath as he recalled the events of that evening.

"And then I saw his hand go for the trigger..." Brax recalled watching as Charlie stood before Grant "He was actually going to shot her" he shook his head in anger and frustration at the thought of what could have happened.

"And I just- I just I leapt. There was no way I could stand back and just watch. And I don't remember much after that"

Joyce smiled sympathetically at both Brax and Charlie

"Thank you Mr Braxton I think we have everything we need" spoke Joyce

"So is that it... its over?" Brax asked. But as Joyce and Watson passed Charlie an uncomfortable glare Brax knew there was something he didn't know

"That is it right? He's dead we can get on with our life's"

Brax shuffled against the bed in frustration as Joyce shook his head "Unfortunately it's not that easy Mr Braxton"

Brax glared at them a glint of anger in his eyes, what was so difficult about it. Before he could ask, his question was answered

"Constable Buckton will remain on suspension till all investigations are over and concluded"

Brax's face creased in confusion 'what did he mean suspension'. Charlie closed her eyes momentarily; she had been hoping Joyce would not bring it up in front of Brax. From the look on Brax's face it was clear to Watson and Joyce that Charlie had yet to fill him in on everything that was going on

Brax turned to Charlie "What do they mean suspension... why would you be suspended?" before she could answer he turned to Joyce "Why would she be suspended?"

"Brax its just procedure" Charlie tried to calm his visible anger down but Brax shook his head his glare remaining on Joyce

"Why would she be suspended and what is there to investigate?"

Joyce sighed "Well it is under investigation as to whether Constable Buckton shot Mr Bledcoe under self defence or..." he paused not wanting to finish his sentence but Brax wanted to hear him say it

"Or what?" Brax's glare bore fire as he looked at Joyce

"Brax please calm down" Charlie could see he was getting worked up

"I am calm Charlie" he gazed at her briefly before looking back at Joyce "Or what?"

"Mr Braxton it cannot be denied that anyone in that situation could have pulled that trigger out of anger"

"But we're not talking about anyone, we're talking about Charlie"

"Mr Braxton we are obligated to look into every possible scenario and until we come to a conclusion unfortunately Miss Buckton will not be able to resume work"

Brax clenched his teeth together as he felt his blood boil to a new limit

"You guys are unf**king believable"

"Mr Braxton we understand t..."

"No actually you don't understand" Brax voice rose a little even as Watson flinched it seemed to not affect him "You stand there with your badge and your bulls**t obligations. What about your obligations to my family. Where were you when he was pointing a gun at Charlie? Where were you when we both stood at gun point while that creep stood and laughed in our faces? Where were you when she stood out from behind me and faced that monster just to try and stop him from shooting me? Where the hell where you when he pulled the trigger?"

"Mr Braxton..." Joyce was interrupted before he could get a word in

"It was your job to catch him... actually no it was your job to make sure he hadn't escaped in the first place. You couldn't even do that properly then you assured us that you would catch him before he could get to us and STILL you couldn't do that. He has time and time again tried to destroy my family. Charlie as lived in fear of him and now you want to punish her for protecting herself and my brother... what would you have preferred she had done? Brax paused waiting for an answer but when he received nothing he continued

"Watched while he hurt Heath, maybe even stuck around watching as he shot both of them because that is what he would have done if she hadn't done what she did. I only regret that it wasn't me that shot him instead" Brax hissed the ending of his sentence. Edging up the bed to quickly Brax winced in pain his hands moving to his banged wound

"Brax" Charlie darted up from her seat worry etched all over her face "Brax please calm down, it's not worth it. I'm going to go get Sid"

"No Charlie" Brax latched onto her hand "I'm fine I just moved to fast that's all"

"Brax you're obviously in pain" Charlie tried to move but his grip on her hand never loosened

"Charlie honestly I'm fine" Brax gave her a reassuring look

Charlie looked at him unsure "Charlie I'm ok I promise" Charlie sighed and nodded before looking at Joyce and Watson

"You've said what you wanted; you should leave now he needs his rest"

Joyce nodded slowly "I am sorry for the way things turned out" Joyce turned on his heels and headed towards the door

"What if was you?" he was stopped by Brax's voice but he didn't turn around

"If you stood there with someone you loved bleeding before you and another person you loved struggling against the man who wanted you dead. Would you stand there and watch as he destroyed your world or would you do what you could to protect yourself and your family" Joyce's silence at Brax's question spoke loud and clear "Yeah that's what I thought"

Sighing lightly Joyce walked out of the room. Watson stood at the door and looked back at Brax and Charlie "I'm sorry for everything that happened to the both of you" Charlie nodded giving her a barely visible smile. She knew Watson would have hated having to be there with Joyce. As Watson left closing the door behind her Charlie turned and looked at Brax.

"Why didn't you tell me what was going on" Charlie walked back to her previous position and sat back down on the chair

"I was trying to avoid... that" Charlie referred to the intense scene that had taken place seconds before "I knew you would get worked up and that's the last thing I wanted"

Brax sighed "Charlie you never have to keep anything from me"

"I know... it's just, I guess I just didn't want to have to deal with it yet. I don't want to have to think about what could happen if they don't believe that it was under self defence"

Brax shook his head "Hy it's not going to come to that. You'll be back to work in no time"

Charlie smiled up at him "I hope so"

"Does Ruby know?"

Charlie sighed "She knows I was taken in for questioning but I haven't really explained everything to her yet. We've all only just started to recover from all this. I want her to have that for a while. And who knows I may not have to tell her anything"

Brax nodding understanding why she wouldn't want to tell Ruby

"Well in the mean time it just means I get to spend as much time with you as possible before you go back to work" he knew he had to stay positive for her sake as much as his. "I would really like it if you were a little closer" even in his state he still managed to give a her a quick glimpse of that smile that she loved. He gently tugged on her hand as he slowly shifted along the bed making room for her

Standing to her feet she gently lowered herself beside him mindful of dodging his wound as she rested her head into his arm.

Placing a lingering kiss on her head Brax combed his hand through her hair gently stroking it

"Everything is going to be alright I just know it"

Charlie smiled slightly as she placed her hand on his chest "I'm really glad you're ok... I don't think I could get through this without you"

...

It had been a little over two weeks since Brax woke from his coma and even Sid couldn't deny how well he seemed to have recovered. Although his wound hadn't healed completely he had gained back the majority of his strength and now to his excited he had been permitted to go home.

Brax sat up against the bed waiting patiently for Charlie, Ruby and his brothers to arrive. At the crock of the door he smiled up as all four of them walked through. He had tried to convince Charlie she didn't need to come but both her and Ruby had refused.

"Hy I thought you guys had forgotten about me"

Charlie walked over to his bedside giving him a quick kiss "Never"

"Figured we would make you sweat a little" joked Heath as he walked around the bed and picked up Brax's things

"Don't listen we actually got some breakfast on the way... I suggested you would probably like to eat something nice when we got home seeing as you've been stuck on hospital food for so long"

"Show off" Charlie muttered under her breath as she gave Ruby a playful glare

"You Buckton, are the best and my favourite girl" Brax pointed at Ruby earning himself a cough from Charlie. Brax looked up at her with a firm grin "You ok?" he tried to keep a straight face as he peered at her

Charlie's head tilted and her eyebrow rose as she peered at him. Casey, Heath and Ruby chuckled at the both of them

"Fine" Charlie shrugged her shoulders "But when your wounds heal up you will have to find some other way to waste time"

"Mum" Ruby bellowed her eyes widened a little as she screwed her face

Charlie chuckled only just remembering the actual term behind what she had said had been made known to all a few weeks ago.

She felt herself blushing as she tried to fight her laughter "Sorry I forgot you knew what that meant"

"Maybe we should get going" added Casey as he too frowned at the topic as he stood behind Ruby

Brax, Charlie and Heath chuckled at their faces. Charlie turned to Brax "Come on then... let's get you home"

"Yes please" Brax stood slowly from the bed ready to return to the comfort of his own home

...

Brax smiled as they climbed out of the car. He couldn't help the smile on his face as Charlie darted towards the door opening it before he reached. He shook his head at her as he walked towards the door as Charlie looked up at his sheepishly noticing his smile.

"You're really cute you know that" going to give her what was probably the tenth kiss since leaving the hospital he stopped and looked back as Ruby spoke

"Guys enough with the kissing... please save the rest for when I'm not around" Ruby rolled her eyes as she walked towards them holding up the takeaway bag in her hand "Plus I really want to enjoy my breakfast so all this" she waved her hands at the both of them "isn't helping"

"She has been spending way too much time with Heath" Charlie chuckled at her daughter's cheekiness

"She's got a fair point though" added Heath as he walked down the pathway with Casey "Breakfast and images of you two are not a good combination"

"I second that" spoke Casey as he entered the house. Slumping Brax's bag down on the floor he joined Ruby in the kitchen

Charlie and Brax shook their heads as they entered the house closing the door behind them. Charlie ushered Brax to the dining table before helping Ruby and Casey lay out the things they had brought from the dinner. Brax sat watching them with a huge smile on his face. It was safe to say he had never been so happy to be home he couldn't help but laugh at the conversation that was being held

"Ruby I could have made this" Ruby and Case looked over at her almost in shock and fear. Brax couldn't hold his laugh as Heath burst out laughing also having witnessed the reaction of both Ruby and Casey

"Err I don't think so... I've seen way too much of that hospital to last me a lifetime" Casey grinned as he spoke. Brax and Heath laughed a little harder and Ruby joined

Charlie huffed in offence

"Hy my cooking as improved from what it used to be" Charlie sulked as she walked over to the table with some plates "Tell them Brax" Charlie took a seat waiting for Brax to come to her defence

"Errr..." Brax bit his lips as he tried to hold onto his laughter

"Brax tell them I have made you breakfast more than once"

Brax cleared his throat "Guys she actually has made me breakfast more than once"

"It's not a question of whether she made you breakfast its whether or not you ate it" Heath chuckled at the expression on Brax's face. He knew he had caught him out

"Of course he ate it" Charlie looked and instantly noticed the expression on Brax's face. Ruby and Casey held onto their laughter as they took a seat

"What did you actually do with it?" asked Ruby as they all sat waiting for him to respond

Brax looked up at Charlie knowing she would find some way of punishing him for this but he knew there was no point in lying

"A paper bag"

A chorus of laughter roared across the table as Heath, Ruby and Casey found it impossible to hide their amusement at what Brax had said

"A paper bag" said Heath as he tried to calm his laughter

Charlie looked at Brax unimpressed "Well you've started now don't stop on my account"

Brax bit his lip as he spoke "Well I used to keep one under the table and every time you turned or got distracted I would shove some of the food into it and when you left I would dispose of it he looked over at her sheepishly trying to block out the returned laughter from Ruby, Casey and Heath

Charlie folded her arms and pouted "Ok my cooking cannot be that bad"

"Trust me Mum it is" Ruby sighed wiping the little tear in the corner of her eye as she finally stopped laughing

"Babe I love everything about you... just not your cooking"

"I can't believe you didn't just tell me" Charlie looked at him still pouting

"I was being a gentleman" Brax grinned

"Plus you're a little scary when you're angry" added Heath

"Yeah and that too" added Brax

Charlie shook her head and a smile finally broke out on her face "Well I think it's safe to say I'm never going to cook for any of you... Ever" she emphasised on the last word of her sentence

"Thank God" Ruby grinned at her cheekily before tucking into her breakfast

"Oi" Charlie poked her playfully

...

Brax yawed as the front door closed. Jack, Martha, Bianca and the kids had come around that afternoon and now going half seven they had only just left. Ruby and Casey had retracted into Casey's room leaving Brax and Charlie alone in the living room. It was safe to say he was worn out.

Charlie smiled as she walked out of the kitchen "You look shattered" she sunk down next to him

"I'm just a little off my game... a few more days and I'll be as good as new" he tugged her towards him closing the distance between the two of them

"And how about you... you didn't eat much at breakfast or this evening"

Charlie sighed, of course he would have noticed

"I'm a little of my game too I guess... I'll be fine with a good night's sleep"

"You sure?" Brax looked down at her a little concerned

"Yeah I'm sure" Charlie placed a kiss on his cheek

"You guys don't have to stay here you know" Brax spoke referring to Charlie's protest that both her and Ruby would be staying with him and Casey for a while so she could keep a close eye on him

"Are you saying you don't want me here Braxton" Charlie looked up at him teasingly

"Na I definitely want you here but you've been at the hospital every day. I want you taking care of yourself too I don't want you stressing yourself out over me"

"Brax I am taking care of myself and taking care of you isn't stressful... I actually enjoy it"

"Do you" Brax grinned down at her

"Uhuh" Charlie returned the grin as he dipped his head and his lips met hers. Brax's right hand moved from his side and travelled to her hips holding her close. Increasing the gap between her lips she made a gap for Brax as his tongue crashed into hers. She moaned lightly before reluctantly pulling away as Brax's hands travelled further up her body. She couldn't help the smile on her face at the look on his face

"Na uh" she shook her head "Sid said no strenuous activities until your wound heals properly"

"Babe trust me there is nothing strenuous about what I have in mind and plus a little exercise would do me good... you know built up my stamina" Brax's eyebrows rose suggestively as a cheeky grin engrossed his face. Charlie couldn't help but laugh at his words

"It's not going to happen Brax. I don't want to be the one to explain to Sid what happened if whatever you have in mind makes your wound worse" Charlie moved in to give him a quick kiss but Brax had other ideas. Holding her head to his he prolonged the kiss as his other hand slid down her back. "Um Brax" Charlie moaned into the kiss. Ignoring her Brax smirked keeping his lips to hers but she soon broke away

"Charlie you know you want to" Brax wriggled his eyebrows causing Charlie to laugh

"You're right I do, but until Sid gives you the all clear there will be no time wasting for you unfortunately"

Brax sighed knowing he wasn't going to win "Fine but I can still hold you" pulling her back into him she buried her head into his chest staying clear of his bandages

"Yeah you can still do that"

A comforting silence had befallen them for about five minutes both of them relishing in the fact that after everything that had happened, here they were sat in each other's presence.

Brax broke the silence as he remembered something he had picked up on over the last week

"Charlie?"

"Uh?" Charlie's head remained in his chest as she waited for him to speak

"Have you noticed what Ruby as been calling you?" Since waking Brax hadn't heard Ruby refer to Charlie by her name once. Although he had heard Ruby address Charlie as mum on more than one occasion it was usually a temporary thing but in the last week it had been a constant occurrence

Charlie instantly smiled as she picked up on what Brax was talking about. Although she had noticed she hadn't wanted to bring it up thinking after everything died down Ruby would probably go back to calling her by her name.

"Yh I noticed... I keep waiting for her to call me Charlie again"

"But you don't want her to" Brax spoke knowingly

Charlie shook her head "No. I mean regardless of what she calls me she is my daughter but when she calls me mum it's just... it's different. I can't explain it"

Brax nodded in understanding "Well maybe it's for good"

"Yh maybe" Charlie spoke half heartedly her tone not going unnoticed by Brax

"Why don't you talk to her about it?"

Charlie shook her head "I can't...what would I say?" Charlie sighed "its fine, I'll just enjoy it while it lasts"

"Charlie just tell her how you feel... what's the worse that could possibly happen?"

Charlie pondered on it for a moment "It doesn't really matter what she calls me... I'll always be her mother"

Brax sighed, he knew she was lying, it did matter. He was sure he wasn't the only one that had noticed the gleeful look on her face every time Ruby called her mum.

...

Ruby and Casey had now joined Brax and Charlie in the living room as they all sat watching a movie. Looking over at Brax, Charlie smiled at his barely opened eyes

"Babe how about we go to bed"

Brax nodded with no arguments he was tired even he couldn't deny that.

"Actually I'm gonna head off to bed too" spoke Ruby as she stood from her seat. Placing a kiss on Casey's cheek she stood and did the same to Brax and Charlie.

"Night Brax night mum"

Brax watched as Charlie smiled at her words. Deciding to give her the push he needed he spoke quickly "Err Case could you help me to the room"

Charlie looked up at him worried; he had been walking around by himself all day

"You ok" she stood to her feet

"Yh I'm fine just tired plus I need to talk to Case about something"

Charlie looked at him suspiciously

Leaning closer to her he whispered "Maybe you could do the same with Rubes"

Casey stood and walked besides Brax as they both walked down the hall and into Brax's room

"Do you think he is ok?" asked Ruby as soon as the bedroom door closed behind Casey and Brax.

Charlie nodded "yeah I think he is just fine"

Ruby nodded slowly "OK... goodnight" she moved around the chair before Charlie decided to speak up

"Ruby" Ruby turned around looking at Charlie expectantly

"Yeah?" she answered

"Err can I talk to you about something?"

Ruby looked down At Charlie's fingers as she twiddled them around each other letting Ruby know she was a little nervous about the topic she wanted to address

"Is everything ok?" asked Ruby as she walked back round the couch and sat next to Charlie

"Yeah" Charlie sighed "I err- well it's been a while since you called me by my name" Charlie peered at Ruby trying to read her body language

"oh" Ruby nodded lightly "Do you not want me calling you mum?" Ruby asked confused

Charlie shook her head vigorously "No I love it when you call me mum it's just usually it only ever happens every once in a while but you've stuck to it for a while. I just wanted to know if it was permanent. I mean it's ok if it's not I get that it might be a little odd for you"

Now it was Ruby's turn to shake her head "It's not odd"

"It's not?" asked Charlie a little surprised

"No it's not odd and yeah I think its permanent... I mean I may still call you Charlie every once in a while out of habit but you're my mum so that's what I want to call you. Plus after everything that has happened... "

Charlie nodded in understanding. She pulled Ruby into a hug. As she pulled away she couldn't help the smile on her face. Ruby couldn't help her own smile at the joyous look on Charlie's face. She never knew it had meant so much to her

"Good I would really like that" Charlie's smile captured her face

Ruby chuckled a little "Good night mum" she placed another kiss on Charlie's cheek

"Night Rubes" Charlie watched as Ruby walked into the spare room and closed the door behind her

...

Walking down the hall Casey walked out of Brax's room

"Night Charlie" he smiled at her as she approached

"Night Case" returning the gesture she made her way into Brax's room closing the door behind her

Stripping down to her underwear. She opened his wardrobe and pulled out a T shirt of Brax's before slinging it over her head. Slowly sliding in beside Brax she grinned as he instantly wrapped his arms around her. She shuffled as close to him as she could get resting her head on his chest

"I'll assume it went well?"

Charlie nodded "Really well" she edged up so she could look at him "I love you, you know that"

Brax nodded with a grin "you better, because I love you too"

Settling herself back down in his embrace, Charlie smiled as he placed a kiss on the top of her head before the both of them drifted off to sleep

[RoRo90]

Thank you ~JarlieFanEver~ for the comment hope you guys enjoy this next one Can't believe this is actually my fiftieth chapter

CHAPTER FIFTY

Brax nodded with a grin "you better, because I love you too"

Settling herself back down in his embrace, Charlie smiled as he placed a kiss on the top of her head before the both of them drifted off to sleep

...

Charlie's eyes fluttered open. The curtains of Brax's room were slightly drawn and the morning sun streamed into the room. Her eyes closed together surprised by the amount of light in the room. Slowly opening her eyes she rolled over expecting Brax to still be there. Her hands landed flat on the empty space besides her causing her to shuffle up the bed

"Brax" she waited but received no response

Stepping out of the bed she slowly made her way out of the room and into the living room

"Brax?" she stopped and smiled as she caught sight of him in the kitchen.

Turning around Brax dropped what he was doing and walked over to her "Morning" he smiled as he placed a kiss on her lips

"Mmm Morning" Charlie smiled into the kiss. Looking over his shoulder she frowned as she looked back at him "Brax you're supposed to be resting" she sighed at the food that he had laid out on the dining table

Brax wrapped his hand around her waist and hers instantly resting on his arm "Charlie you worry too much. I just made breakfast. It's not really considered strenuous work"

Charlie shrugged "Still... I'm meant to be taking care of you"

"And you have been... I just wanted to return the favour" dropping another kiss on her lips he pulled her towards the table. Pulling out a chair for her he smiled as she looked up at him with a grin

"What?" he asked with a raised eyebrow as he took a seat

Charlie shook her head "Nothing you're just really amazing"

Brax's grin now matched hers "I have been told that once or twice" he winked at her as she chuckled lightly before tucking into the food in front of her

"Case and Ruby not joining us?" asked Charlie as she picked up a piece of toast

"Na Ruby dragged him down the beach about an hour ago" Charlie chuckled as she looked up to see it had only just gone 9:15.

"Poor Case" laughed Charlie knowing Casey was far from a morning person

Brax chuckled "You should have seen his face, I actually thought he was going to start crying he looked that tired" Charlie laughed as she pictured his face

"I don't know how he keeps up with her... what kid gets up before 8 on a Saturday. She definitely doesn't get it from me"

"Oh trust me I know" grinned Brax "Do you have any idea the amount of times you used to turn up late to things because you woke up late or couldn't get out of bed" Brax smiled as he referred back to when him and Charlie were still teenagers

Charlie pouted her lips "It was only a couple of times"

Brax looked at her with a raised eyebrow causing her to gaze at him sheepishly "Fine it may have been more than a couple but you can't blame me, you always wanted to meet at ridiculous times of the morning" exclaimed Charlie

Brax chuckled "Right, and what about the day I asked you to meet me at the beach for twelve?" Brax paused and the look on her face made it clear she remembered. "What was it you said again?"

Charlie shook her head "I don't know what you're talking about" her words brought laughter to Brax's lips

"Brax can we move it to two I was hoping to have a little lie in" Brax tried to mimicked her voice as he spoke earning him a slap across the arm

"Firstly I do not sound like that... I hope. And Brax it was the first weekend of school break I just wanted to sleep"

Brax shook his head as he looked at her amused by the sweetness in her voice at the end of her sentence

"Charlie we moved it to two and you still turned up late" Charlie bit her lip as Brax laughed. Her lips soon curled up as she listened carefully to the laughter leaving his lips. Even after all this time the mere sound of his laughter still made the hairs on the back of her neck stand in awe. As his laughter came to a halt he smiled that smile that made her heart melt and his dimples were now on display

"What are you thinking about?" asked Brax as he slid his hand across the table taking hers in his

"You... me... us" the smile on her face widened as she used the word us "I'm just really happy you're here"

"Good... cause I'm not going nowhere" Brax rubbed his thumb against her hand as they both continued with their breakfast

...

After much argument Brax had given in and let Charlie clear up the table. He watched as she rinsed the dirty dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. He took a deep breath as she bent over slightly still wearing only his shirt that she had put on the night before. Not saying a word he stood and walked up behind her. His hand moved slowly around her waist removing all distance between them. She may have had her back turned to him but Brax could see the corners of her lips curl up as his hands settled around her waist. Not saying a word he brushed her hair to her right shoulder before invading her neck with slow kisses. Brax smiled as Charlie tilted her head to the side allowing him more access. grazing his teeth agaisnt the skin on her neck his hands slowly crawled up from her waist as she let out a little moan

"Brax..." her breath came out heavy

"Uhuh" Brax replied his lips still attacking her neck

"Brax... we can't, y..." before she could speak any more words he spun her round constraining her voice as he clasped his lips on hers. Holding the small of her back with his left hand, his right hand moved to the side of her face holding her lips against his. As a little gap formed between her lips he took his chance and jostled his tongue into her mouth only to be met with the same force by hers

Unable to pull away Charlie's hands crawled to the back of his neck wanting to taste more if him. She groaned as Brax gently pushed her so her back was pressed against the counter. His left right hand had now moved from her face and had begun making its way up his shirt that she was wearing. Feeling the need for air Charlie pulled away from the kiss only to return his earlier gesture as she trailed kisses along his neck. Wanting to be as close to him as possible she pushed herself into him but quickly backed away as he winced slightly.

"You ok?" Charlie's eyes widened slightly but Brax quickly shrugged it off as he pulled her back into him

"Yh I'm fine... now where were we"

Charlie looked at him with a knowing glare "Brax you just winced... that's not fine"

"It was nothing" Brax lowered his lips onto her neck hoping it would be enough to distract her but he had no such luck

"Brax there is no way we are finishing this off till your wound heals"

"But..." Brax peered at her childishly only causing Charlie to laugh

"No buts Brax"

"You can just be gentle with me" Brax wriggled his eyebrows with a grin firmly placed

"I could..." Brax's eyes lit up in hope but they soon deflated "But I won't, sorry babe" Charlie gave him a quick kiss before edging past him

"What am I supposed to do about this then?" Brax tried his best to pout hoping to gain some sympathy from her as he nodded further down his body

Charlie couldn't help the laughter that left her lips as she looked down at the bulge in his shorts. Smiling she walked over to him slowly. Leaning in as far as she could without their faces touching her smile widened at the gleeful look on his face as her hands trailed up his chest.

"I think a cold shower should sort you out" she gave him a peck on the cheek before backing away. She stifled her laughter at the look on his face. Turning she made her way down the hall towards his room

"This is no way to treat a patient miss Buckton" Charlie giggled at his words before walking into his room

...

"Babe" Charlie walked out of the bathroom and into the living room

Looking up at her Brax instantly smirked as she stood before him in only a towel

"Don't even think about it" Charlie instantly spoke as she recognised the look on his face

"What I didn't say or do anything" Brax spoke as his eyes trailed up her legs

"I know what you want to say... and do" her smirk now matching his as he stood up from the couch

"So..." Brax wrapped his arms around her waist "Why don't you let me do it"

Charlie chuckled as she shook her head "Bianca and the kids are going down to the beach. She asked if we were coming, but that's only if you feel up to it."

"Yh Heath just text me now and I'm more than up for it... could do with some fresh air"

"You sure?" asked Charlie

"Yep"

"Ok I'll go get dressed" Backing out of his arms Charlie walked down the hall and into his room but couldn't help but laugh as Brax spoke

"So that's a no to the letting me do what I want to do" Brax walked in behind her

Charlie nodded with a grin "It's a temporary no"

"Fine... I guess a cold shower will have to do... for now" Charlie smiled after him as he walked into the bathroom

...

Approaching the beach hand in hand Charlie and Brax smiled as they noticed the whole clan were there on the beach. Jack, Heath and Casey were further down as they kicked a ball around with Reece, while Ruby sat with Rosie building sand castles and Bianca and Martha sat talking with Abi sat contently in Bianca's lap

Reaching Bianca and Martha Charlie perched herself down beside her friends

"Hy guys" she smiled widely at them before looking down at Abi as she kicked her legs against the sand "Hi beautiful" she placed a kiss on Abi's temple causing her to gurgle with a smile

"Hy" Bianca and Martha smiled at her before looking up at Brax

"Hi Brax" they spoke in unison

"How you feeling?" Bianca smiled up at him

"Good thanks" Brax smiled down at her. "Hy" he slowly picked a ten month old Abi up from Bianca's lap and tickled her as she giggling uncontrollably

"Definitely a Braxton" Brax grinned at her as she placed her hands on his face smiling up at him

"I think it's safe to say she's missed you as much as Reece as. Speaking of the devil" Bianca nodded to Reece who was now running towards Brax

"Uncle Brax you came's" Reece bounced towards him gleefully

Brax smiled as he passed Abi back to Bianca. Turning he playfully ruffled Reece's hair "Of course I did buddy"

"Hi Aunt Charlie"

"Hy don't I get a kiss from my favourite boy today" Charlie pouted at him

Reece smiled as he walked over and placed a kiss on her cheek

"That's better" smiled Charlie as he walked back over to Brax

"I tolds you I is the favourite" Reece grinned up at Brax

Charlie, Martha and Bianca laughed as Reece poked his tongue out at Brax

"Yeah but when me and Aunt Charlie are wasting time I'm here favourite boy" Brax looked up and grinned at Charlie

Charlie's eyes widened "Brax"

Brax chuckled "Babe he has no idea what I am talking about"

"I hope you've been letting him rest and not just as you call it w..." Charlie quickly interrupted Bianca before she said any more

"Guys seriously" Charlie looked at Reece giving him a lightly smile

Martha, Bianca and Brax couldn't help but laugh as she visibly began blushing

"You come play with us" Reece tugged on Brax's hand taking little interest in what the adults were talking about

Taking his eyes from Charlie, Brax looked at Reece and nodded "Yh lets go" quickly giving Charlie a wink he followed Reece down the beach towards the guys

As soon as Brax was out of ear shot Bianca turned to her "So did you "she paused looking for a befitting word "celebrate him finally being out of the hospital"

Charlie shook her head at the suggestive look on both her friends' faces

"You guys are just as bad as him"

"So have you?" Charlie chuckled as her friends ignored her comment still peering at her with grins as they waited for a reply

"No his wound hasn't healed properly so until Sid gives him the all clear... celebrations will have to be put on hold" Charlie sighed as she gazed down at Brax

She looked back up at Bianca and Martha as they began laughing

"What?" she looked at them confused

"Well by the way you're looking at him it seems you really want to celebrate" laughed Martha

Charlie bit her lips as she felt herself blushing. Sighing she let out a little groan before nodding "Yh I really REALLY want to celebrate and he is not making resisting very easy either" at her words all three girls burst out laughing.

"What's going on?" asked Ruby as her ad Rosie walked over to the girls. Rosie instantly ran into her mother's lap as Ruby dropped the plastic bucket and shovel

"Trust me you don't want to know" answered Bianca as her laughter subsided with the girls

Ruby gave them a questioning look but asked no more further questions knowing when it came to Charlie and the girls it was usually best not to know what was going on

"Hy I haven't seen you all day" Charlie placed a kiss on Ruby's temple

"Mum its only just gone twelve" Ruby chuckled at her mother

"I know but still"

Ruby smiled "Well I figured you and Brax would want some alone time this morning so really you should be thanking me"

"Oh well in that cas,e thank you Ruby" Charlie nudged her playfully before their attention was taken by the guys as they cheered Reece on

"Guys?" Bianca, Ruby and Martha looked over at Charlie as she spoke

"Yea?" answered Bianca

"I need your help with something" replied Charlie "Its Brax's birthday week after next"

"Oh I forgot all about that" replied Bianca

"Yea I think that's what he's hoping for... he hasn't mentioned it once"

"He's never been one to really celebrate his birthday... Maybe he just wants it to slide by unnoticed" answered Martha

Charlie shook her head "Not a chance I really want to do something special for him so I really need your help"

"Ok... so what do we have to do?" asked Bianca

"I'll let you know later"

Martha and Bianca nodded as Ruby stood to her feet

"I'm gonna go join them" Ruby paced down the beach instantly catching the ball before kicking it to Reece

Bianca turned to Charlie with a grin "So I see she's sticking with calling you mum" Charlie's smile grew at the topic Bianca had spoken on

"Yh" looking back down at Ruby Charlie couldn't help the little laughter that left her lips as she watched her daughter squeal and giggle as Heath throw her over his shoulder and Casey threw Reece over his

"It's funny, it feels like with everything that has happened it's only made us stronger than ever"

"Well I think after everything you all deserve some happiness" Martha and Bianca smiled at their friend glad that after everything that had happened she came out the other end stronger than before.

Charlie and the girls smiled up as the others made their way over to them

"Mummy mummy" Reece ran to Bianca, without saying a word Bianca knew he wanted something as he widened his eyes at her

Bianca sighed biting her lips trying not to laugh at her son "What do you want this time?" Bianca peered at him with a raised eyebrow

"Can I go on my buggy board... please mummy" Reece placed both his hands together as he widened his eyes at her innocently

"Reece Thomas Braxton that's just not fair" Bianca sighed knowing she would lose against the look on his face. Looking up at Heath she shook her head as she gave in

"Fine but be careful" she looked at Heath sternly

"Yes mam" Heath gave a salute as he winked at her "Told you she would cave if you gave her that look" Heath ruffled Reece's hair as he giggled lightly

Bianca looked at him unimpressed "So you both played me?"

Reece shook his head "N,o daddy says I's only using my asses to my benisits" Bianca scrunched her face up as she looked at Heath.

Ruby, Brax, Casey and Jack laughed knowing what Reece was trying to say

Heath chuckled "actually I said using his assets to his benefit"

"Yh dad that what I just says" Reece shook his head at his father causing the laughter of the others to increase

"Have I ever told you just how cute you are" Charlie pulled him into her lap as she tickled him.

Squirming in her grasp Reece giggled loudly "No stop Aunt Charlie it chickles" Reece finally stopped giggling as Charlie stopped tickling him

"and you tells me all the time that I'm the cutest"

"No you're the second cutest... I'm first" spoke Brax

Reece shook his head "No's I is first isn't I Aunt Charlie?" Reece looked up at her

"Uhuh you are definitely the best uncle Brax is just jealous"

Reece pulled his tongue out at Brax before standing from Charlie's lap "daddy come on I want to surf" Reece tugged on Heath's hand

"Hold on buddy" Dropping his shirt Heath placed a kiss on Abigail's temple before placing a kiss on Bianca's lips

"Daddy come on" Reece stood impatiently

"Ok I'm coming" Heath shook his head before following Reece into the water

"Babe I might go for a surf too" Jack gave Martha a quick kiss before he flung his shirt to the ground and picked up his board

"We'll come to" added Ruby as she pulled Casey to his feet both of them grabbing their boards and pacing down the beach

Martha, Bianca and Charlie turned to Brax as he slumped down besides Charlie. Neither of the three could hide the amusement on their faces as he sat sulking while watching the others on their board

"We might go get a juice from the surf club" Bianca and Martha stood to their feet with Rosie and Abi as they walked up the beach

Charlie bit her lips as she looked at Brax. Without even looking up at her Brax spoke

"This isn't funny" Charlie shook her head as she pursed her lips together as she tried to hold onto her laughter

"Babe I wasn't laughing" Charlie moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist

"I'm sure you'll be out there with them in no time... but in the mean time you get to spend time with me"

Brax looked up at her and shook his head "Well seeing as Reece seems to have taken you from me I'm not so sure spending time with you is a good idea" Brax gazed at her mockingly

"Take me from you... never" Charlie shook her head playfully "Reece may be the cutest but you" she placed a kiss on his neck "Are the most sexiest, handsome and might I add charming guy I know" she smiled as she placed another kiss on his neck

Brax immediately grinned at her "Well in that case..." leaning over her he embedded his lips against hers as she leaned into the sand allowing him lay on top of her

...

"You ok?" Charlie turned to find Ruby standing behind her

"Yh" she gave her daughter a smile but she could tell the conversation was far from over as Ruby edged around the couch and sat beside her

"You know Brax once said you were a very bad liar... I see what he meant now" Ruby looked at Charlie strenly

Charlie sighed "I was just thinknig thats all"

"About?"

looking at Ruby Charlie knew they wouls have to talk about it eventually. Turning so she was facing Ruby she took her hand in hers

"I was thinking about work"

"You going back" asked Ruby

Charlie shook her head "Rubes I... I'm on suspension"

"What? why?"

"Well they need to make sure that what I did wasnt on purpose and that it was underself defence" Charlie knew Ruby would figure out what she was referring to

Ruby nodded taking in what Charlie was saying "So what if they dont believe you?" asked Ruby knowing there was more to the situation

Charlie tightened her grip on Ruby's hand "then I could face trail...but Ruby I doubt it will come to that" Charlie spoke quickly trying to reassure Ruby

"But what if it does... could you get sent to jail for this?"

Charlie pursed her lips trying to hold back her tears at the expression of fear displayed on Ruby's face

"Ruby that is the worst case senario ok... it most probably wont come to that"

"I can't lose you mum" Ruby wiped a stray tear

"And you wont... you could never lose me" Charlie pulled Ruby into a hug both of them hoping that even in death Grant wasnt going to destroy their happiness

...

Walking into the station Charlie felt all eyes follow her direction. Although they all smiled warmly almost sympathetically it didn't ease her nervous as she approached Joyce's office. Knocking on his door gently she took a deep breath trying to prepare herself for what was about to transpire

"Come in" she obliged to the voice as she pushed the door open and walked into the office. She felt the base of her palms clam up as a million and one thoughts ran around in her mind. She stopped as she looked at Joyce and the two addictions that sat each side of him. Unsure what to do she remained standing till Joyce spoke

"You can take a seat" his voice gave nothing away as she edged to the single seat that was isolated before them. Easing herself into it she laid her hands on her lap trying to steady her legs as they jittered with nervousness. Her eyes wondered between the three people that sat before her. The phone call she had gotten asking her to come down had given nothing away but she didn't need telling to know that the three people before her were about to tell her what her fate was to be

"Constable Buckton this is inspector Taylor and chief inspector Williams. I'm sure you know why we called you here" Charlie nodded her head at Joyce's words

"Yes sir I think I do"

...

Looking down at the time Brax looked over at Ruby and Casey

"Are you sure she didn't say where she was going?" he asked for the tenth time

Casey sighed as Ruby shook her head

"She just got a call and said she had to be somewhere and she wouldn't be long"

Brax groaned in frustration. He had resurfaced from the shower only to find that Charlie had gone out. That was now over half an hour ago and neither Martha nor Bianca had heard from her and she wasn't picking her phone

"Brax she's not been gone long she's probably already on her way back" added Casey

Brax's head shot up as the door pushed open. His eyes deflated as he saw Jack walk in through the door

"Wow... don't look too happy to see me"

"I thought you was Charlie"

"I thought you would have gone with her" spoke Jack as he took a seat on the couch

Brax, Ruby and Casey looked up at him

"Gone where with her?" asked Brax

Jack sighed quickly realising that Charlie must have not told them about the call he was sure she would have gotten that afternoon

"I was at the office an hour ago and I heard that Joyce had called Charlie in. I figured it was to talk about her suspension. I was waiting around but Joyce ushered me away"

"Did they tell you anything about what's going to happen?" asked Ruby her eyes fixed on Jack as she waited for a response

Jack shook his head

"No nothing... just that she had been called in by Joyce"

"So she's at the station right now?" asked Brax as he edged forward

"I'm guessing so"

Without saying a word Brax stood to his feet

"You're not allowed to drive" Ruby stood up from her seat knowing what Brax wanted to do

"I'm sure I'll survive" answered Brax as he picked up the keys to his Ute

"Mate try it and forget the bullet wound... Charlie will herself inflict pain on you" Jack took the keys out of Brax's grip. He knew too well he couldn't stop Brax from going down to the station "I'll drive you"

"Fine" Brax walked towards the door

"Will you please call or text as soon as you know anything?" Brax turned at Ruby's voice

"Yeah" Brax gave her a smile before walking out the door with Jack following behind

Jack made no efforts to talk during the car ride. Brax's gaze had remained placed ahead and he could see the anxiousness in his eyes. He knew the only thing that could calm his best friend down was if the investigation had been closed on the basis of self defence

...

Brax sat impatiently his feet tapping against the ground with his eyes peering at the door on his left hand side. As he and Jack walked into the station no one questioned why they were there.

"How long do these things take?" asked Brax. He leaned forward on his chair resting his elbows on his lap as he brought his hands up to his mouth

"I don't know" replied Jack

"Aren't you guys supposed to know these things?" Sighed Brax

"This type of thing isn't exactly a regular occurrence..." Jack stopped talking as the door both he and Brax had been glaring at opened up.

Brax shot up to his feet waiting for a figure to retract from the room. His eyes laid glued to Charlie as she walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. He tried to read her face or even her body language but he got nothing. As she looked in his direction, she looked at him surprised to find him their gazing at her with questioning eyes

"Brax what are you doing here?" she walked over to him and Jack slowly

"Why didn't you tell me?" asked Brax

Charlie sighed "I didn't want to make a big deal. You really didn't have to come down here"

"Yes I did" Brax looked down at her his questioning gaze still placed as he waited for her to fill him in on what had transpired

"The investigation has been closed under the basis of self defence... I'm not getting charged, but my suspension still stands for the next month""

Brax head swung back in relief as he exhaled deeply relieve washing over him. Although in his eyes her being suspended wasn't fair he knew things could have turned out a lot worse. Brax brought his head back down and met her eyes. He couldn't deny the relief that washed over his face as he noticed her smiling

"So you're ok?" asked Brax as he tugged on her arm pulling her closer towards him

"Yh I'm ok" replied Charlie before she turned to Jack

"Great so I get stuck on my own for a month... don't think I'm gonna be doing all your paper work for you" Brax and Charlie couldn't help but chuckle at Jacks words

"You know you'll miss me... who else are you going to pick on or get to pick up your slack work" replied Charlie

"Well I can still pick on you outside the station and as for slack work I'll just put it off till you get back" Jack grinned

...

Walking out of the station Charlie stopped as she raised her eyebrow at Brax

"Why is your Ute here?"

Jack muffled his laughter as he looked at Brax

"Well I had to get here somehow"

"Brax" she looked at him unimpressed "Sid clearly stated that you were not to drive... under any circumstances. What if something ha..."

"Charlie I wasn't driving" seeing the look on her face Brax quickly interjected "Jack drove me down here"

Charlie looked over at Jack who nodded in confirmation

"Well good" she looked at the both of them for a moment longer before walking over to her car

Jack finally let out a little laugh making sure Charlie didn't hear him "And I thought Martha was scary". Giving Jack a slap across the head Brax walked ahead before shouting to Jack

"I'm gonna go with Charlie you take the Ute" Brax quickly retrieved his phone from his back pocket before texting Ruby letting her know the verdict

...

"So how are you really feeling?"

Having now retired to his room, Brax and Charlie lay on his bed after escaping Ruby and Casey's glee at her news.

Charlie looked up at him. She rolled her eyes knowing he would have to be the one to know she wasn't being a hundred percent honest

"Honestly?"

Brax nodded in confirmation

"I'm happy but I just... I don't know" She sighed as she lay her head against his chest "I know it's only a month suspension but... I guess I just wasn't expecting it"

"I know but like you said it's only a month, before you know it you'll be back to work and then you'll be begging for some time off"

"True" smiled Charlie "It's just I've never not had anything to do... a whole month is going to drive me crazy"

Bringing his fingers to her shoulder he ran gentle circles over it "Look at it this way, it just means you get to spend more time with me. Surely that's got to be a bonus?"

Charlie grinned as she edged up the bed bringing her lips to his "Its a definite bonus"